1996 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2002 Ford Explorer is newer by 6 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 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 729 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 2002 Ford Explorer 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, 2002 Ford Explorer 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, 2002 Ford Explorer (321 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2002 Ford Explorer 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. 2002 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2002 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Honda | Ford |
| Model | Civic | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4016 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 100.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1790 mm |
