1993 Honda Prelude vs. 1981 Honda Civic
To start off, 1993 Honda Prelude is newer by 12 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Honda Prelude (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Honda Prelude weights approximately 450 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, 1993 Honda Prelude (179 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1993 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Honda Prelude | 1981 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Prelude | Civic |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1333 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
