1981 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Chevrolet Kalos
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Kalos is newer by 31 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 1,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Kalos is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Kalos (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Kalos should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Kalos weights approximately 285 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, 2012 Chevrolet Kalos (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Kalos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2012 Chevrolet Kalos | |
| Make | Honda | Chevrolet |
| Model | Civic | Kalos |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 1399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
