1996 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 12 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 32 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 202 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort.
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, 2008 Honda Civic (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
