2009 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Honda Accord
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1997 Honda Accord. (134 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 320 kg more than 1997 Honda Accord. 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, 1997 Honda Accord, 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, 1997 Honda Accord (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1997 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Accord |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 88 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
