1983 Ford Fiesta vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 287 kg more than 1983 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, 1996 Honda Civic (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fiesta | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Fiesta | Civic |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 45 L |
