1980 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 16 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 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 180 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, 1996 Honda Civic (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Civic | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Civic |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2630 mm |
