1981 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Porsche 911
To start off, 1989 Porsche 911 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Porsche 911 (247 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Porsche 911 weights approximately 550 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 1989 Porsche 911 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 1989 Porsche 911. 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, 1989 Porsche 911 (317 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 1989 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Honda | Porsche |
| Model | Civic | 911 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 317 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 77 L |
