1988 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 234 kg more than 1988 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Mustang 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 1988 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1988 Ford Mustang (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Mustang | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
