2002 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2002 Honda Civic is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda Civic (108 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Civic weights approximately 80 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Vitara 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, 2002 Honda Civic (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (123 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2002 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Civic | 1988 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | Civic | Vitara |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2210 mm |
