1981 Honda Accord vs. 2003 Honda Accord
To start off, 2003 Honda Accord 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Accord (160 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Accord weights approximately 463 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 Honda Accord (192 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2003 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Accord | Accord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
