1981 Honda Civic vs. 1983 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1983 Opel Rekord is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Opel Rekord (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Opel Rekord weights approximately 465 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Opel Rekord 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 1983 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Civic, 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, 1983 Opel Rekord (186 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 1983 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | Civic | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2680 mm |
