1981 Honda Ballade vs. 1998 Toyota Supra
To start off, 1998 Toyota Supra is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Toyota Supra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota Supra (325 HP) has 258 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota Supra should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota Supra weights approximately 830 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 1998 Toyota Supra 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 1998 Toyota Supra. 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, 1998 Toyota Supra (441 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota Supra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Ballade | 1998 Toyota Supra | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Ballade | Supra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1334 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 325 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2560 mm |
