1981 Honda Accord vs. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Prizm is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 200 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. 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, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2003 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | Honda | Chevrolet |
| Model | Accord | Prizm |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2470 mm |
