1972 Honda Civic vs. 1980 Renault 5
To start off, 1980 Renault 5 is newer by 8 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1972 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Renault 5 weights approximately 292 kg more than 1972 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Renault 5 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 1980 Renault 5. 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, 1980 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Civic | 1980 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | Civic | 5 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2590 mm |
