1996 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Audi A8
To start off, 2011 Audi A8 is newer by 15 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 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi A8 (372 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A8 weights approximately 850 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 2011 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi A8 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, 2011 Audi A8 (444 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2011 Audi A8 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. 2011 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2011 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Honda | Audi |
| Model | Civic | A8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 372 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5268 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3122 mm |
