2009 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Subaru DL
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Subaru DL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Subaru DL would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1979 Subaru DL. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Subaru DL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 325 kg more than 1979 Subaru DL. 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 (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Subaru DL. (114 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Subaru DL. 1979 Subaru DL has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Subaru DL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1979 Subaru DL | |
| Make | Honda | Subaru |
| Model | Civic | DL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2470 mm |
