1987 TVR 420 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 TVR 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 TVR 420 would be higher. At 4,225 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 TVR 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 TVR 420 (300 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 TVR 420 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 184 kg more than 1987 TVR 420.
Because 1987 TVR 420 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 1987 TVR 420. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1987 TVR 420 (393 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1987 TVR 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1987 TVR 420 has manual transmission. 1987 TVR 420 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 TVR 420 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | TVR | Honda |
| Model | 420 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4225 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 50 L |
