1980 Honda Ballade vs. 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,956 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara (127 HP) has 60 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 868 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 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Honda Ballade. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Ballade | 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | Ballade | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 127 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2640 mm |
