Do the Accord and Civic feel the same to drive?
4 Answers
The Honda Civic is a Class A sedan produced by Dongfeng Honda with a smaller body; the Accord is a Class B car produced by Guangzhou Honda with a larger body, offering a more comfortable driving experience. Both are Sino-Japanese joint ventures. The differences are as follows: 1. Price: The Civic is priced lower than the Accord. This is because the Civic is a compact car, also known as a Class A vehicle, while the Accord is a mid-size car, referred to as a Class B vehicle. The Accord is positioned at a higher grade than the Civic. 2. Vehicle configuration: The Civic is equipped with 1.5 and 1.8 engines, providing sufficient power to meet people's needs with relatively low fuel consumption, focusing more on the sense of speed, but the space is slightly smaller; the Accord's 2.0 and 2.3 engines have larger displacements, offering more power than the Civic, and the overall vehicle size is also larger than the Civic.
When driving the Accord and Civic, I feel quite a difference. The Accord is a mid-size sedan with a longer body and softer suspension tuning, significantly reducing the shaking sensation over speed bumps or rough roads. Sitting inside feels like being wrapped in a sofa—extremely comfortable. It might feel a bit sluggish for city commuting, but on the highway, it’s as stable as a rail car, with slight body roll in turns that’s easy to control. The Civic is different—its compact size makes steering incredibly responsive, darting out in turns with just a flick of the wheel, and acceleration feels quicker. However, the rear seats are noticeably bumpier, especially when carrying passengers, who often complain about the stiffness. Although the engines share the same roots, the Accord’s heavier chassis makes it feel more composed and quieter, while the Civic leans toward a youthful, sporty vibe, better suited for those who enjoy driving dynamics. I wouldn’t recommend blindly choosing the Civic—you really need to test-drive both to see which one feels more comfortable and suits your driving style.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I've tried both the Accord and the Civic and found them to be completely different. The Accord offers spacious interiors, excellent seat support—no back pain or leg numbness even after hours of driving—and superior noise insulation, keeping engine sounds and wind noise at bay on the highway. The Civic, while agile and easy to park, feels cramped with its low cabin, limited legroom in the back, and a rough ride over bumpy roads. Its more aggressive engine response and constant buzzing noise can be irritating. Their positioning differs: the Accord leans toward business or family use, exuding a composed and effortless vibe, while the Civic targets the young and trendy with its light, quick steering—though it becomes tiring over long drives. Sharing some parts doesn’t change the fact that their driving experiences are worlds apart—one feels like a luxury sedan, the other a sporty hatchback. If the budget allows, I’d choose the Accord any day for its safety and peace of mind.
I've been into cars for many years, and when driving the Accord and Civic, I can clearly feel the tuning differences. The Civic's chassis is stiffer, with precise and agile quick steering, and strong instant acceleration when you step on the throttle—it's more fun for things like drifting but can feel tense in city traffic. The Accord, on the other hand, is tuned for relaxation and comfort, with suspension that absorbs vibrations well, smooth and non-abrupt acceleration, and a stable, floating-on-water feel during high-speed cruising. Although Honda shares platforms, one is designed for compact sportiness while the other follows a midsize luxury approach. In practice, the Civic excels in handling but sacrifices comfort, while the Accord offers better balance. This difference is even more noticeable on slippery roads—the Accord stays steady and resists skidding, whereas the Civic provides direct feedback but has a slightly higher risk of minor incidents.
