2008 Ford Fiesta vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,559 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Fiesta (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 185 kg more than 1996 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, 2008 Ford Fiesta (204 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fiesta | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Fiesta | Civic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1559 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2630 mm |
