1979 Ford Fiesta vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 565 kg more than 1979 Ford Fiesta. 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, 2008 Honda Civic (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (65 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fiesta. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fiesta | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Fiesta | Civic |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 50 L |
