2009 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Honda Step Wagon
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 Step Wagon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Step Wagon would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Step Wagon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Honda Step Wagon. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Step Wagon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Step Wagon weights approximately 321 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic.
Because 1997 Honda Step Wagon 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, 1997 Honda Step Wagon 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, 1997 Honda Step Wagon (186 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Step Wagon 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 Step Wagon | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Step Wagon |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
