2009 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona 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 54 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (86 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 489 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corona 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 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | Corona |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
