1996 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 7 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer (267 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 380 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 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Civic | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 267 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
