2003 Honda Fit vs. 1988 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Honda Fit is newer by 15 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 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Fit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Fit (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Fit should accelerate faster than 1988 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, 2003 Honda Fit (131 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Fit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Fit | 1988 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Fit | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
