1996 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Honda S2000
To start off, 2009 Honda S2000 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda S2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda S2000 (238 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda S2000 weights approximately 40 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 S2000 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Honda S2000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 S2000 (208 Nm @ 7500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda S2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2009 Honda S2000 | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | S2000 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
