2009 Honda Civic vs. 1972 Honda Life
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1972 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 971 kg more than 1972 Honda Life. 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, 2009 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Life. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1972 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1972 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1972 Honda Life | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Life |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 50.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
