1996 Honda Civic vs. 1980 Renault 5
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 32 kg more than 1980 Renault 5.
Because 1980 Renault 5 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 1980 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1980 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1980 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1980 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | Civic | 5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 51 L |
