1996 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 576 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 Nissan 370Z 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 Nissan 370Z. 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 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 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 | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 72 L |
