1997 Honda Life vs. 2003 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Honda Civic is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Civic (108 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1997 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Civic weights approximately 300 kg more than 1997 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Life 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, 2003 Honda Civic (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Life. 2003 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Life | 2003 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Life | Civic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2630 mm |
