1996 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Honda Accord
To start off, 2012 Honda Accord 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Accord (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Accord weights approximately 303 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.
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, 2012 Honda Accord (219 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2012 Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2012 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Accord |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1513 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4851 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1433 mm |
