1998 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe (139 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 635 kg more than 1998 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Civic | 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Civic | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
