1996 Honda Civic vs. 2006 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2006 Nissan Xterra is newer by 10 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 3,950 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Xterra (265 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 325 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, 2006 Nissan Xterra (385 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
