1989 Honda Accord vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 1989 Honda Accord is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,955 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1989 Honda Accord. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Honda Accord weights approximately 148 kg more than 1981 Renault 5.
Because 1981 Renault 5 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 Renault 5. 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, 1981 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Accord. (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Accord | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | Accord | 5 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1955 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1198 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 51 L |
