1996 Honda Civic vs. 1953 Studebaker Commander
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Studebaker Commander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Studebaker Commander would be higher. At 3,809 cc (8 cylinders), 1953 Studebaker Commander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Studebaker Commander (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1953 Studebaker Commander should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Studebaker Commander weights approximately 727 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Studebaker Commander is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1953 Studebaker Commander. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1953 Studebaker Commander (258 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1953 Studebaker Commander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 1953 Studebaker Commander has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1953 Studebaker Commander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1953 Studebaker Commander | |
| Make | Honda | Studebaker |
| Model | Civic | Commander |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1953 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 3809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1692 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3070 mm |
