1996 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,339 cc (2 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Samurai.
Because 1996 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 Honda Civic (127 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. 2012 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1996 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1996 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Suzuki Samurai | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Suzuki | Honda |
| Model | Samurai | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1460 mm |
