1989 Honda Accord vs. 1981 Pontiac 1000
To start off, 1989 Honda Accord is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac 1000 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Honda Accord (133 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Honda Accord weights approximately 300 kg more than 1981 Pontiac 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Pontiac 1000 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 Pontiac 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Honda Accord, 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, 1989 Honda Accord (179 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Accord | 1981 Pontiac 1000 | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Accord | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2400 mm |
