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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 237 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. 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 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4500 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 | 1668 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| 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 | 1121 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
