1979 Honda Prelude 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 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 239 kg more than 1979 Honda Prelude. 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, 2009 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1979 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1979 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | Civic |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
