2009 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 413 kg more than 1978 Triumph TR7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Triumph TR7 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 Triumph TR7. 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph TR7. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1978 Triumph TR7 has manual transmission. 1978 Triumph TR7 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 | 1978 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Honda | Triumph |
| Model | Civic | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
