2009 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 1,668 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (123 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. (77 HP @ 5350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 158 kg more than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Vitara 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 Honda Civic (153 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1996 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | Civic | Vitara |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5350 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1154 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 42 L |
