2009 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport (164 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 115 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport.
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 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport 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. 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
