1969 Abarth 1300 vs. 1981 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1981 Honda Ballade is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Abarth 1300 would be higher. At 1,334 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Ballade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Abarth 1300 (123 HP) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Abarth 1300 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Honda Ballade weights approximately 149 kg more than 1969 Abarth 1300.
Because 1969 Abarth 1300 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 1969 Abarth 1300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Ballade, 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, 1969 Abarth 1300 (130 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Abarth 1300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Abarth 1300 | 1981 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Abarth | Honda |
| Model | 1300 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 636 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2330 mm |
