1997 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1997 Honda Civic is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 1,904 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. (67 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 55 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic.
Because 1996 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Vitara 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, 1997 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Civic | 1996 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | Civic | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1832 cc | 1904 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2210 mm |
