I too have a 1991 Civic that runs well. A year or so ago I
was thinking of buying a 1999 or more recent Civic. I priced
the auto insurance for a newer car. Despite the newer car's
higher value, the auto insurance was less by a fair amount.
Ten percent or so? Can't remember, but your current auto
insurer should be happy to quote you the figure. I asked
what was behind this. My insurer said all the safety
features of the newer car. I think the insurance companies
back this up with statistics.

As to whether it's worth the extra piece of mind, I reckon
that's up to each individual.

I do not speed. I am not out gallavantin' at 2 AM or
similar. Lately I do almost all [western] city driving
(ugh). So a high speed, and hence more dangerous, crash
might be said to be less likely. My Civic is very
maneuverable compared to SUVs and other large cars. Overall,
I feel safe driving it. The fuel mileage is great, too.

I have a 1991 Honda Civic and it runs well, but I feel like I should
probably buy a newer car with airbags for more safety in a crash.
Another reason I might want to buy another car is that mine is small.
A larger car would probably provide additional protection.  On the
other hand, if I keep my current car I'd save money.  Does anyone
think it's not necessarily worthy spending the money for a bigger car
with airbags?