2009 Acura TL vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Acura TL is newer by 13 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 3,664 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura TL (306 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Acura TL weights approximately 642 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.
Because 2009 Acura TL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura TL 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 Acura TL (370 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2009 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura TL | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Acura | Honda |
| Model | TL | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3664 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1852 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
