1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (141 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 421 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Chevrolet Nova 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 1974 Chevrolet Nova. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (340 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 1974 Chevrolet Nova has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Nova will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Model | Nova | Civic |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
