1972 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1978 Toyota Corolla is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,169 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 53 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 232 kg more than 1972 Honda Civic.
Because 1978 Toyota Corolla 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 1978 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1978 Toyota Corolla (85 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Civic | 1978 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2380 mm |
