1981 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 8 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (159 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 660 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (203 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Honda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Civic | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2740 mm |
