1981 Honda Civic vs. 2004 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2004 Subaru Outback 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Subaru Outback (165 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Subaru Outback weights approximately 771 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 2004 Subaru Outback is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Subaru Outback will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Outback (225 Nm) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm). This means 2004 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2004 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Honda | Subaru |
| Model | Civic | Outback |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1556 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 64 L |
