1996 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Lexus GS
To start off, 2012 Lexus GS 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus GS (340 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 236 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus GS weights approximately 775 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 Lexus GS 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 Lexus GS. 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 Lexus GS (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2012 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Honda | Lexus |
| Model | Civic | GS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1425 mm |
