1978 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Honda Civic
To start off, 1979 Honda Civic is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,335 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Honda Civic (67 HP) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Honda Civic weights approximately 80 kg more than 1978 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Honda Civic (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Fiesta | Civic |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
