1980 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 28 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (309 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 931 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.
Because 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 2008 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (358 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Civic | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
