1979 Honda Civic vs. 1986 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1986 Toyota Tercel is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,335 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Toyota Tercel (70 HP) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Tercel should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Honda Civic weights approximately 15 kg more than 1986 Toyota Tercel.
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, both vehicles can yield 108 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1986 Toyota Tercel has automatic transmission and 1979 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1979 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Toyota Tercel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Civic | 1986 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 70 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 795 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2440 mm |
