1978 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Saturn Sky
To start off, 2009 Saturn Sky is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,384 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Saturn Sky is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Sky (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Sky should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saturn Sky weights approximately 454 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Saturn Sky 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 2009 Saturn Sky. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord, 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 Saturn Sky (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Saturn Sky will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2009 Saturn Sky | |
| Make | Honda | Saturn |
| Model | Accord | Sky |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1601 cc | 2384 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
