1996 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Kia Potentia
To start off, 1998 Kia Potentia 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Kia Potentia weights approximately 505 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 1998 Kia Potentia 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 1998 Kia Potentia. 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, 1998 Kia Potentia (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1998 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Civic | Potentia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
