1996 Honda Ballade vs. 1981 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1996 Honda Ballade is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Suzuki Alto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Suzuki Alto would be higher. At 1,491 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Ballade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Ballade (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Ballade should accelerate faster than 1981 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Ballade weights approximately 480 kg more than 1981 Suzuki Alto. 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, 1996 Honda Ballade (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (60 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Ballade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 1981 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | Ballade | Alto |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2160 mm |
