2009 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 103 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (189 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
