1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2011 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2011 Nissan Versa is newer by 15 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Versa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Versa (122 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Versa should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Versa weights approximately 132 kg more than 1996 Honda Ballade. 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, 2011 Nissan Versa (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Versa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2011 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Ballade | Versa |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1222 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4295 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 50 L |
