1996 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 12 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 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sportage (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 1028 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 2008 Kia Sportage 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, 2008 Kia Sportage 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, 2008 Kia Sportage (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2008 Kia Sportage 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. 2008 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2008 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Civic | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1988 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2640 mm |
