1996 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Honda Life
To start off, 1998 Honda Life is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1998 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 380 kg more than 1998 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda Life 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 Civic (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Life. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1998 Honda Life | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Life |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 57 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2370 mm |
