1981 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 31 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 793 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.
Because 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 2012 Nissan 370Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 72 L |
