1979 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,668 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (123 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 244 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Escort 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 1979 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Honda Civic (153 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Civic |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1668 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1154 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 50 L |
