1978 Dodge Aspen vs. 1980 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1980 Honda Ballade is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Dodge Aspen (100 HP) has 26 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Dodge Aspen should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 673 kg more than 1980 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Dodge Aspen 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 1978 Dodge Aspen. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1978 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Dodge Aspen | 1980 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Dodge | Honda |
| Model | Aspen | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2330 mm |
