2009 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
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 Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 65 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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 Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
