2008 Honda Civic vs. 1971 Oldsmobile 442
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile 442. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile 442 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (260 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 weights approximately 550 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Oldsmobile 442 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 1971 Oldsmobile 442. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1971 Oldsmobile 442 | |
| Make | Honda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Civic | 442 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2850 mm |
