2009 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Vectra 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 64 more horse power than 1996 Opel Vectra. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 500 kg more than 1996 Opel Vectra. 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 Opel Vectra, 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Vectra. (128 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1996 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | Civic | Vectra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1430 mm |
