1981 Vauxhall Chevette vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,339 cc (2 cylinders), 2011 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Civic (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Honda Civic weights approximately 394 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Honda Civic (127 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 2011 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1981 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Honda |
| Model | Chevette | Civic |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1256 cc | 1339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1249 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
