1978 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2012 Dodge Ram is newer by 34 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Ram (310 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1978 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Ram weights approximately 1630 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 2012 Dodge Ram 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 2012 Dodge Ram. 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, 2012 Dodge Ram (447 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Civic | 2012 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Honda | Dodge |
| Model | Civic | Ram |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 2308 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5817 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1877 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 3569 mm |
