1996 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2008 Subaru Outback 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Subaru Outback (243 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Subaru Outback weights approximately 400 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 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback (297 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2008 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2008 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Honda | Subaru |
| Model | Civic | Outback |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 89.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1550 mm |
