1996 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2011 Hyundai Elantra 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Hyundai Elantra (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic.
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, 2011 Hyundai Elantra (177 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2011 Hyundai Elantra 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 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2011 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Civic | Elantra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1435 mm |
