1996 Toyota Carina vs. 1979 Honda Civic
To start off, 1996 Toyota Carina is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Carina (105 HP) has 38 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Carina weights approximately 351 kg more than 1979 Honda Civic. 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, 1996 Toyota Carina (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic. 1979 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Carina | 1979 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Toyota | Honda |
| Model | Carina | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
