2008 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Jensen SV-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Jensen SV-8 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 54 kg more than 1998 Jensen SV-8.
Because 1998 Jensen SV-8 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 1998 Jensen SV-8. 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, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1998 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Jensen |
| Model | Civic | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 75 L |
