1986 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Nissan 350Z is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (287 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1986 Honda Civic. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 599 kg more than 1986 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Nissan 350Z 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 2005 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (372 Nm) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Civic | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 287 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2540 mm |
