1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (76 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 229 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (132 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Fiesta 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:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Fiesta | Civic |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2660 mm |
