1996 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima 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 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (156 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 119 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 Nissan Altima (162 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2009 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Altima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
