1978 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 1986 Honda Civic
To start off, 1986 Honda Civic is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV (129 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1986 Honda Civic. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV weights approximately 279 kg more than 1986 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV 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 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV | 1986 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Honda |
| Model | GTV | Civic |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2210 mm |
