1996 Honda Civic vs. 1971 Honda Life
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (34 HP @ 9000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 720 kg more than 1971 Honda Life. 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 Honda Civic (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (32 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1971 Honda Life | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Life |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 9000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 32 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
