1981 Honda Civic vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (176 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 1025 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 Renault Vel Satis (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 2004 Renault Vel Satis 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 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | Civic | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 18.5:1 |
| 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 | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
