1998 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Subaru Forester

To start off, 2009 Subaru Forester is newer by 11 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Forester (145 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Forester weights approximately 585 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.

Because 2009 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester 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, 2009 Subaru Forester (350 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Civic.

Compare all specifications:

1998 Honda Civic 2009 Subaru Forester
Make Honda Subaru
Model Civic Forester
Year Released 1998 2009
Body Type Hatchback SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1396 cc 2500 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line boxer
Horse Power 74 HP 145 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 3600 RPM
Torque 110 Nm 350 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 1600 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Diesel
Drive Type Front AWD
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 955 kg 1540 kg
Vehicle Length 4200 mm 4559 mm
Vehicle Width 1700 mm 1781 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1674 mm
Wheelbase Size 2630 mm 2616 mm