2012 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Elantra (145 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 58 kg more than 2009 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, 2012 Hyundai Elantra (176 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Hyundai Elantra | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Hyundai | Honda |
| Model | Elantra | Civic |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1167 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4529 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1775 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1435 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
