2009 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Holden Nova
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Holden Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Holden Nova would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 Holden Nova. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1996 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 595 kg more than 1996 Holden Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Honda Civic is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Honda Civic. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Holden Nova, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Holden Nova. 1996 Holden Nova has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Holden Nova will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1996 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Honda | Holden |
| Model | Civic | Nova |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
