1989 Honda Accord vs. 1981 Honda Civic
To start off, 1989 Honda Accord is newer by 8 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 1,955 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Honda Accord (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Honda Accord weights approximately 355 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, 1989 Honda Accord (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Accord | 1981 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Accord | Civic |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1955 cc | 1333 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
