1978 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Nissan Terrano
To start off, 1989 Nissan Terrano is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Terrano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Terrano (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Terrano should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Terrano weights approximately 1077 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 1989 Nissan Terrano is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Terrano will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Nissan Terrano (245 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Terrano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Civic | 1989 Nissan Terrano | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Terrano |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2660 mm |
