1988 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Honda Accord
To start off, 1988 Honda Civic is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Civic (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Civic weights approximately 40 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. 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, 1988 Honda Civic (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 1981 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Accord |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
