1996 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Honda Element
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 13 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 850 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 2009 Honda Element 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, 2009 Honda Element 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, 2009 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2009 Honda Element 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. 2009 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2009 Honda Element | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Element |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1790 mm |
