1973 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1973 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 879 kg more than 1973 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Civic | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1168 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2710 mm |
