2009 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Kia Retona
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Kia Retona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Kia Retona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1998 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1998 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Kia Retona weights approximately 677 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic.
Because 1998 Kia Retona 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, 1998 Kia Retona 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, 1998 Kia Retona (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1998 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 1998 Kia Retona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1998 Kia Retona | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Civic | Retona |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1998 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1193 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3910 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2370 mm |
