1996 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul 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 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Soul weights approximately 16 kg more 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, 1996 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Civic | Soul |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2550 mm |
