1979 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 30 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (262 HP) has 195 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 1521 kg more than 1979 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Xterra 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 2009 Nissan Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Civic | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 262 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 795 kg | 2316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
