1996 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage 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 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 283 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Civic | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 58 L |
