1988 Ford Sierra 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 Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 451 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Sierra 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 Sierra. 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 (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Sierra | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Sierra | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2660 mm |
