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 2,656 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 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 460 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 Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 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 | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1700 mm |
