1996 Honda Civic vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 650 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Renault Vel Satis (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2004 Renault Vel Satis 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. 2004 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | Civic | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1580 mm |
