1986 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 23 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1986 Honda Civic. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 390 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 2009 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Civic | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2710 mm |
