1998 Honda Life vs. 1988 Honda Civic
To start off, 1998 Honda Life is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Civic (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1998 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Life.
Because 1998 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1988 Honda Civic (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Life. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Life | 1988 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Life | Civic |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1370 mm |
