1996 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 282 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 Chevrolet Corvette 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 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Honda | Chevrolet |
| Model | Civic | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1237 mm |
