1996 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2009 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1996 Honda Civic (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | Civic | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1570 mm |
