1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (138 HP) has 99 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 600 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 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, 2012 Honda Civic (174 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm). This means 2012 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2012 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Fiesta | Civic |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
