1977 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1980 Honda Civic
To start off, 1980 Honda Civic is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,091 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Chevrolet Nova (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 705 kg more than 1980 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Chevrolet Nova. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1977 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Chevrolet Nova | 1980 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Model | Nova | Civic |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4091 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2330 mm |
