1969 Honda S800 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Honda S800 would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1969 Honda S800. (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1969 Honda S800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 556 kg more than 1969 Honda S800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Honda S800 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1969 Honda S800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Honda S800. (66 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Honda S800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Honda S800 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | S800 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 789 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 50 L |
