1996 Honda Civic vs. 2004 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2004 Nissan Xterra is newer by 8 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 3,278 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan Xterra (180 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 554 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 2004 Nissan Xterra 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, 2004 Nissan Xterra 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, 2004 Nissan Xterra (274 Nm) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm). This means 2004 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2004 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3278 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1764 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1880 mm |
