1997 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1997 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 830 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Nissan Xterra 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, 2011 Nissan Xterra 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, 2011 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic. 2011 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Civic | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1832 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
