2009 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1988 Holden Commodore. (153 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1988 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 246 kg more than 1988 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Holden Commodore 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 1988 Holden Commodore. 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, 1988 Holden Commodore (247 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (189 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 1988 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 1988 Holden Commodore 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. 1988 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1988 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Honda | Holden |
| Model | Civic | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2670 mm |
