1981 Honda Civic vs. 2004 Honda Accord
To start off, 2004 Honda Accord is newer by 23 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 2,204 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Accord (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Accord weights approximately 860 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, 2004 Honda Accord (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 2004 Honda Accord 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. 2004 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2004 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Accord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 2204 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 16.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
