2009 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Honda Accord
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,955 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1989 Honda Accord. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 487 kg more than 1989 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Honda Civic 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 2009 Honda Civic. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Honda Accord, 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 @ 4200 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Accord. (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1989 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Accord |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1955 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 91 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1198 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
