2009 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| 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 | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1453 mm |
