1981 Ford Capri vs. 1979 Honda Civic
To start off, 1981 Ford Capri is newer by 2 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Capri (158 HP) has 91 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Capri weights approximately 375 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 1981 Ford Capri 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 1981 Ford Capri. 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, 1981 Ford Capri (221 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic. 1979 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 1979 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Capri | Civic |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 40 L |
