2009 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 327 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
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 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2012 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. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
