1996 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Honda Civic
To start off, 2002 Honda Civic is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2002 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 62 kg more than 2002 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, 1996 Ford Escort (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Civic. 2002 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2002 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
