2009 Honda Element vs. 1979 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP) has 99 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 334 kg more than 1979 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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 Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 1979 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Element | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
