1978 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,684 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 190 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Capri. 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, 2009 Honda Civic (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Capri | Civic |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1684 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
