2009 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Kia Potentia
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Kia Potentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Kia Potentia would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Kia Potentia. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1997 Kia Potentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Potentia weights approximately 336 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic.
Because 1997 Kia Potentia 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 1997 Kia Potentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic, 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 Kia Potentia (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1997 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Civic | Potentia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2720 mm |
