2008 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (141 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 304 kg more than 1978 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Nissan Skyline 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 1978 Nissan Skyline. 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, 2008 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Skyline. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1978 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2520 mm |
