1981 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2007 Nissan Xterra is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 505 kg more than 1981 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, 2007 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 2007 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2007 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
