2009 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 3 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar.
Because 2009 Honda Civic is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Honda Civic. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 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. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Honda | Chevrolet |
| Model | Civic | Cruze |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
