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 (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 10 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. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 74 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic.
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, 2009 Honda Civic (221 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Mustang | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2690 mm |
