2009 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 88 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (189 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1373 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
