1978 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,204 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 547 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Escort 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 Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Honda Civic (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Escort | 2008 Honda Civic | |
Make | Ford | Honda |
Model | Escort | Civic |
Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 2204 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 340 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1422 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4250 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |