1989 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Insight (98 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1989 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Insight should accelerate faster than 1989 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 Honda Insight (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Civic | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Insight |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1427 mm |
