1980 Saab 900 vs. 1981 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1981 Honda Ballade is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Saab 900 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Saab 900 (118 HP) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Saab 900 weights approximately 417 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1980 Saab 900 (167 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade. 1981 Honda Ballade has automatic transmission and 1980 Saab 900 has manual transmission. 1980 Saab 900 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Honda Ballade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Saab 900 | 1981 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Saab | Honda |
| Model | 900 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1202 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2330 mm |
