1988 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport (118 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 500 kg more than 1988 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, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1670 mm |
