Bachrodt Volkswagen

Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 66 advantages that the Volkswagen Golf has over the Honda Civic Sedan.

MSRP Range
Volkswagen Golf	$17,995 - $28,340
Honda Civic Sedan	$15,805 - $23,455

Performance

Engine

The Golf (2.0L TDI 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.) has a larger standard engine, a 2.0L I4, than the standard engine in the Civic Sedan, which has a 1.8L I4.

The Golf's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the Civic Sedan's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:

Spec
		RPM's to Peak Torque	RPM's to Peak HP
	Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	1750	4000
	Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	1750	4000
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	1750	4000
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	1750	4000
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	1750	4000
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	1750	4000
	Civic Sedan	4300	6500

With 236 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in Golf 2.0L I4 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the Civic Sedan 1.8L I4, which has 128 lb-ft of torque.

Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The Golf, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Civic Sedan, as detailed below by trim level and engine:

Spec
		Power To Weight Ratio
	Golf 2.5L 2 Dr. 2.5L I5	17.5
	Golf 2.5L 4 Dr. 2.5L I5	18.2
	Golf 2.5L Conv 2 Dr. 2.5L I5	17.5
	Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr. 2.5L I5	18.2
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr. 2.5L I5	17.5
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr. 2.5L I5	18.2
	Civic Sedan DX 5-spd AT 1.8L I4	19.6
	Civic Sedan DX 5-spd MT 1.8L I4	18.7
	Civic Sedan EX 5-spd AT 1.8L I4	19.6
	Civic Sedan EX 5-Spd AT w/Nav 1.8L I4	19.6
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT 1.8L I4	19.6
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav 1.8L I4	19.6
	Civic Sedan HF 5-Spd AT 1.8L I4	19.3
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd AT 1.8L I4	19.6
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd MT 1.8L I4	18.7

Reliability

The standard engine in the Golf 2.0L I4 has an larger displacement than the standard engine in the Civic Sedan 1.8L I4, 1968 cc vs. 1798 cc. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life.

Transmission

An adaptive automatic transmission is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, It is able to select optimal shift points and determine the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. You are more likely to find this type of transmission in the Golf than the Civic Sedan, as shown below:

Spec
		Adaptive Automatic Transmission
	Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L 4 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.5L Conv 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.	Standard
	Civic Sedan	Not Available

Manually interactive automatic transmissions give the driver complete gear control, like manually-shifted transmissions, but without the inconvenient clutch. This type of transmission is more commonly found in the Golf than the Civic Sedan, as shown below:

Spec
		Manually Interactive Automatic Transmission
	Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L 4 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.5L Conv 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.	Standard
	Civic Sedan	Not Available

Warranty

Corrosion Warranty

Volkswagen's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Honda's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).

Spec
		Corrosion Warranty Months
	Golf	144
	Civic Sedan	60

Economy

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The Golf has a larger fuel tank than the Civic Sedan, 14.5 gal. vs. 13.2 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.

The Golf is more fuel efficient than the Civic Sedan. Superior fuel efficiency makes the Golf both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the Civic Sedan.

Spec
		Fuel Economy Hwy	Fuel Economy City
	Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	42 mpg.	30 mpg.
	Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	42 mpg.	30 mpg.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	42 mpg.	30 mpg.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	42 mpg.	30 mpg.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	42 mpg.	30 mpg.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	42 mpg.	30 mpg.
	Civic Sedan DX 5-spd MT 1.8L I4	36 mpg.	28 mpg.
	Civic Sedan DX 5-spd AT 1.8L I4	39 mpg.	28 mpg.
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd MT 1.8L I4	36 mpg.	28 mpg.
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd AT 1.8L I4	39 mpg.	28 mpg.
	Civic Sedan EX 5-spd AT 1.8L I4	39 mpg.	28 mpg.
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT 1.8L I4	39 mpg.	28 mpg.
	Civic Sedan EX 5-Spd AT w/Nav 1.8L I4	39 mpg.	28 mpg.
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav 1.8L I4	39 mpg.	28 mpg.
	Civic Sedan HF 5-Spd AT 1.8L I4	41 mpg.	29 mpg.

*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)

The Golf gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Civic Sedan, as detailed below by trim and engine:

Spec
		Driving Distance
	Golf	493 mi.
	Civic Sedan DX 5-spd AT 1.8L I4	422.4 mi.
	Civic Sedan DX 5-spd MT 1.8L I4	409.2 mi.
	Civic Sedan EX 5-spd AT 1.8L I4	422.4 mi.
	Civic Sedan EX 5-Spd AT w/Nav 1.8L I4	422.4 mi.
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT 1.8L I4	422.4 mi.
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav 1.8L I4	422.4 mi.
	Civic Sedan HF 5-Spd AT 1.8L I4	435.6 mi.
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd AT 1.8L I4	422.4 mi.
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd MT 1.8L I4	409.2 mi.

Cost to Own

The base MSRP on the Golf is less than the base MSRP on the Civic Sedan as shown in the table below.

Spec
		Base Price MSRP
	Golf 2.5L 2 Dr.	17,995
	Golf 2.5L 4 Dr.	19,795
	Golf 2.5L Conv 2 Dr.	18,840
	Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr.	20,640
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr.	20,655
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.	22,455
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd AT	18,655
	Civic Sedan EX 5-spd AT	20,505
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT	21,955
	Civic Sedan EX 5-Spd AT w/Nav	22,005
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav	23,455
	Civic Sedan HF 5-Spd AT	19,455

Safety and Security

Airbags

Both the Golf and the Civic Sedan feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

General Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The Golf is heavier than the Civic Sedan, shown below by trim level and transmission type:

Spec
		Curb Weight MT	Curb Weight AT
	Golf 2.5L 2 Dr.	2967 lbs.	3,023 lbs.
	Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr.	2994 lbs.	3,040 lbs.
	Golf 2.5L 4 Dr.	3027 lbs.	3,102 lbs.
	Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr.	3073 lbs.	3,120 lbs.
	Golf 2.5L Conv 2 Dr.	2967 lbs.	3,023 lbs.
	Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr.	3027 lbs.	3,102 lbs.
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr.	2967 lbs.	3,023 lbs.
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.	3027 lbs.	3,102 lbs.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr.	2994 lbs.	3,040 lbs.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr.	3073 lbs.	3,120 lbs.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr.	2994 lbs.	3,040 lbs.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.	3073 lbs.	3,120 lbs.
	Civic Sedan DX 5-spd MT	2608 lbs.	-
	Civic Sedan DX 5-spd AT	-	2,672 lbs.
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd MT	2641 lbs.	-
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd AT	-	2,705 lbs.
	Civic Sedan EX 5-spd AT	-	2,765 lbs.
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT	-	2,773 lbs.
	Civic Sedan EX 5-Spd AT w/Nav	-	2,787 lbs.
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav	-	2,795 lbs.
	Civic Sedan HF 5-Spd AT	-	2,698 lbs.

The Golf is equipped with Standard FWD.

Most modern fuel injection systems utilize a high-pressure fuel pump that can empty a vehicle fuel tank if the fuel line is severed as a result of an accident. The Golf features a Standard emergency fuel shutoff device that measures specific G-force impact, disabling power to the fuel pump if there is an accident, significantly reducing the chance of a hazardous fuel spill. This emergency system is Not Available in the Civic Sedan.

Keyless entry increases your personal safety by enabling you to enter and exit your vehicle without fumbling with your keys. And, in addition, by letting you lock and unlock your vehicle without using your keys, it increases the chances that you will lock it. Of course, it also comes in handy when your hands are full. The Golf comes with Standard keyless entry while that feature is Not Available on the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT).

An anti-theft stereo is offered as a Standard feature on the Golf. This provides a strong theft deterrent, as the radio is disabled and rendered useless when removed from the vehicle. This anti-theft feature is Not Available in the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT).

Wheel locks are special lug nuts that serve to deter wheel theft by requiring a 'key' for installation and removal. They are Standard equipment on the Golf (2.0L TDI 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.) but are Optional on the Civic Sedan.

The Golf power door locks have a Standard selective locking/unlocking feature which gives driver the choice to unlock one or all doors for added convenience and safety (with an extra press of remote's door unlock button or an extra turn of the door key). This feature is Not Available in the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT).

The Golf has a Standard rear spoiler, which creates additional downdraft at higher speeds, improving road holding ability. A rear spoiler is Optional on the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT, EX 5-spd AT, EX 5-Spd AT w/Nav, EX-L 5-Spd AT, EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav, LX 5-spd AT, LX 5-spd MT).

High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the Golf (2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.) but Not Available Civic Sedan. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.

The Golf features a Standard rear wiper which provides improved visibility by allowing the driver to clean the rear window. This feature is Not Available on the Civic Sedan.

Capacities

Interior Space

The Golf has more passenger volume than the Civic Sedan (EX 5-spd AT, EX 5-Spd AT w/Nav, EX-L 5-Spd AT, EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav), 92.9 cu. ft. vs. 92.1 cu. ft.

The Golf has more interior space than the Civic Sedan in the following areas:

Spec
		Head Room, Rear	Head Room, Front
	Golf	38.5 in.	39.3 in.
	Civic Sedan DX 5-spd MT	37.1 in.	39.0 in.
	Civic Sedan DX 5-spd AT	37.1 in.	39.0 in.
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd MT	37.1 in.	39.0 in.
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd AT	37.1 in.	39.0 in.
	Civic Sedan EX 5-spd AT	36.2 in.	37.9 in.
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT	36.2 in.	37.9 in.
	Civic Sedan EX 5-Spd AT w/Nav	36.2 in.	37.9 in.
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav	36.2 in.	37.9 in.
	Civic Sedan HF 5-Spd AT	37.1 in.	39.0 in.

Cargo Space

The Golf has 15.2 cu. ft. of cargo volume compared to 12.5 cu. ft. in the Civic Sedan. The additional cargo space means more room to store and transport packages, luggage, etc.

The Golf has a Standard rear seat pass through, allowing very long items, like snow skis to be transported inside the vehicle. A rear seat pass through is Not Available in the Civic Sedan.

Standard second row fold-down armrests provide a place for the second row passengers to to rest their forearms for added comfort. Second row fold-down armrests are Not Available in the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT, HF 5-Spd AT, LX 5-spd AT, LX 5-spd MT).

The Golf offers a Standard cargo net that helps secure packages or groceries, while in the Civic Sedan a cargo net is Optional.

Payload and Towing

The Golf has a higher towing capacity than the Civic Sedan, meaning it can pull a larger total weight - trailer and contents.

Spec
		Tow Capacity, Max	Tow Capacity, Std
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Civic Sedan	Not Recommended	Not Recommended

Suspension and Handling

Chassis

The Golf is shorter than the Civic Sedan , 165.4 in. vs. 177.3 in., so it will be easier to handle and maneuver.

The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the Golf is greater than that of the Civic Sedan. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.

Spec
		Track, Front
	Golf	60.7 in.
	Civic Sedan	59.0 in.

Wheels and Tires

The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the Golf may provide better handling capability than those on the Civic Sedan. Details below:

Spec
		Tire Aspect Ratio
	Golf	45
	Civic Sedan DX 5-spd AT	65
	Civic Sedan DX 5-spd MT	65
	Civic Sedan EX 5-spd AT	55
	Civic Sedan EX 5-Spd AT w/Nav	55
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT	55
	Civic Sedan EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav	55
	Civic Sedan HF 5-Spd AT	65
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd AT	65
	Civic Sedan LX 5-spd MT	65

In addition to the obvious cosmetic benefit of alloy wheels, they are lighter than traditional steel wheels, providing better performance. Alloy wheels are Optional on the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT, LX 5-spd AT, LX 5-spd MT) but are offered as a Standard feature on the Golf (2.0L TDI 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.).

The Golf comes with a Standard full-size spare tire, a safer alternative to smaller temporary spares. In contrast, a full-size spare is Not Available on the Civic Sedan.

Braking

The Golf has standard front and rear disc brakes but the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT, HF 5-Spd AT, LX 5-spd AT, LX 5-spd MT) only has standard rear Drum brakes. Drums tend to heat up with repeated use and can cause stopping distances to increase.

Advantages

Additional Features

A heated front seat is Standard in the Golf (2.0L TDI 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv 2 Dr., 2.5L Conv 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.), providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT, EX 5-spd AT, EX 5-Spd AT w/Nav, HF 5-Spd AT, LX 5-spd AT, LX 5-spd MT).

The Golf has convenient Standard power door locks, while this feature is Not Available on the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT).

The Golf (2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.) features a Standard navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Not Available in the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT, EX 5-spd AT, EX-L 5-Spd AT, HF 5-Spd AT, LX 5-spd AT, LX 5-spd MT).

Compact disc players offer the highest quality audio available. The Golf offers a Standard CD player but it is Not Available in the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT).

Illuminated vanity mirrors are Standard in the Golf but Not Available in the Civic Sedan.

The advanced climate control system in the Golf features an air filtration system that removes pollen, dust, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the passenger compartment. An air filtration sytem is Not Available in the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT).

On long road trips in the Golf, drivers can engage the Standard cruise control, reducing fatigue. Cruise control is Not Available in the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT).

The Golf (2.0L TDI 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI 4 Dr., 2.5L 2 Dr., 2.5L 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv 2 Dr., 2.5L Conv 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.) has a Standard compass that helps drivers determine their geographic direction. A compass is Optional in the Civic Sedan.

The Golf has a Standard engine compartment light, providing illumination to the engine compartment, especially helpful in the event of a nighttime breakdown. An engine compartment light is Not Available in the Civic Sedan.

With a Standard power sunroof, a touch of a button is all Golf (2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.) owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT, HF 5-Spd AT, LX 5-spd AT, LX 5-spd MT) as a power sunroof is Not Available.

Heated exterior mirrors are Standard on the Golf, keeping them clear and giving the driver improved visibility. That feature is Not Available on the Civic Sedan (DX 5-spd AT, DX 5-spd MT, EX 5-spd AT, EX 5-Spd AT w/Nav, HF 5-Spd AT, LX 5-spd AT, LX 5-spd MT).