2009 Honda Element vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 294 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2009 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Element | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
