1996 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Opel Astra weights approximately 415 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 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | Civic | Astra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
