1974 Ford Capri vs. 1981 Honda Civic
To start off, 1981 Honda Civic is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Capri (71 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Capri weights approximately 225 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Ford Capri (119 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 1981 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Capri | Civic |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1333 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2330 mm |
