1998 Acura RL vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Acura RL (205 HP) has 67 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (138 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Acura RL (304 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (174 Nm). This means 1998 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Acura RL | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Acura | Honda |
| Model | RL | Civic |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
