1978 Honda Civic vs. 1973 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1978 Honda Civic is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 442 kg more than 1978 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Nissan Laurel 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 1973 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1973 Nissan Laurel (169 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Civic | 1973 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2680 mm |
