1981 Honda Ballade vs. 1979 Lancia Stratos
To start off, 1981 Honda Ballade is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,419 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Stratos is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Stratos (187 HP) has 120 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Stratos weights approximately 199 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.
Because 1979 Lancia Stratos is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Ballade, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1979 Lancia Stratos (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Stratos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Ballade | 1979 Lancia Stratos | |
| Make | Honda | Lancia |
| Model | Ballade | Stratos |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1334 cc | 2419 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 187 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 984 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2190 mm |
