1980 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Holden Nova
To start off, 1989 Holden Nova is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Holden Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Holden Nova (81 HP) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Holden Nova should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Holden Nova weights approximately 230 kg more than 1980 Honda Civic. 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, 1989 Holden Nova (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Holden Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic. 1989 Holden Nova has automatic transmission and 1980 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1980 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Holden Nova will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Civic | 1989 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Honda | Holden |
| Model | Civic | Nova |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 81 HP |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2440 mm |
