1996 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 210 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 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. 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 Porsche 911 (389 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Honda | Porsche |
| Model | Civic | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 389 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2451 mm |
