2008 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda Montrose is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 284 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mazda Montrose 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 1979 Mazda Montrose. 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 (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 1979 Mazda Montrose 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. 1979 Mazda Montrose will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | Montrose |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
