1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2002 Honda Z
To start off, 2002 Honda Z is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,491 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Ballade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Ballade (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2002 Honda Z. (51 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Ballade should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Ballade weights approximately 130 kg more than 2002 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Honda Z is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Ballade. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Honda Z will offer significantly more control. 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 Honda Ballade (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Z. (60 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Ballade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Z. 2002 Honda Z has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Honda Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2002 Honda Z | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Ballade | Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 35 L |
