1974 Holden Torana vs. 1981 Honda Civic
To start off, 1981 Honda Civic is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Holden Torana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Holden Torana would be higher. At 5,044 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Holden Torana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Holden Torana (239 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Holden Torana should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Holden Torana weights approximately 425 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Holden Torana 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 1974 Holden Torana. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1974 Holden Torana (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Holden Torana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Holden Torana | 1981 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Holden | Honda |
| Model | Torana | Civic |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5044 cc | 1333 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2330 mm |
