1988 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 1998 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jensen SV-8 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1988 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Jensen SV-8 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 1998 Jensen SV-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 1998 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Jensen |
| Model | Civic | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
