1981 Honda Accord vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 27 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 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 466 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.
Because 2008 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord. 2008 Toyota RAV4 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. 2008 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Accord | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
