1996 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Acura TL
To start off, 2012 Acura TL is newer by 16 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Acura TL (305 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura TL weights approximately 590 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 2012 Acura TL 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, 2012 Acura TL 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, 2012 Acura TL (370 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2012 Acura TL 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. 2012 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2012 Acura TL | |
| Make | Honda | Acura |
| Model | Civic | TL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4928 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1453 mm |
