1988 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Honda Civic
To start off, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 7 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 753 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 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (373 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Honda Civic | |
Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
Model | Corvette | Civic |
Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1333 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 195 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 373 Nm | 93 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1538 kg | 785 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2330 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |