1981 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1988 Opel Vectra is newer by 7 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 1,700 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Honda Civic (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1988 Opel Vectra. (56 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1988 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Opel Vectra weights approximately 289 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic.
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, 1988 Opel Vectra (105 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 1988 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | Civic | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 1700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 75 L |
