1981 Honda Civic vs. 1986 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1986 Ford Tempo is newer by 5 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Tempo (89 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Tempo weights approximately 320 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.
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, 1986 Ford Tempo (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 1986 Ford Tempo has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Ford Tempo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 1986 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Honda | Ford |
| Model | Civic | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 96.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2540 mm |
