1996 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Pontiac Torrent
To start off, 2008 Pontiac Torrent 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Pontiac Torrent is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Pontiac Torrent (263 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Pontiac Torrent should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Pontiac Torrent weights approximately 142 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 Pontiac Torrent (339 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Pontiac Torrent will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2008 Pontiac Torrent 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 Pontiac Torrent will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2008 Pontiac Torrent | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Torrent |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1352 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
