1981 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Honda Element
To start off, 2007 Honda Element is newer by 26 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Honda Element (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Element weights approximately 1165 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 2007 Honda Element 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, 2007 Honda Element 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, 2007 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 2007 Honda Element 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. 2007 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2007 Honda Element | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Element |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
