1996 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Astra weights approximately 285 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, 2008 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | Civic | Astra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
