1978 Renault 4 vs. 2004 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 4 would be higher. At 1,668 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Civic (108 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 496 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. 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, 2004 Honda Civic (155 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4. 2004 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1978 Renault 4 has manual transmission. 1978 Renault 4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 4 | 2004 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Renault | Honda |
| Model | 4 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 1668 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 62 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
