1996 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Honda Accord
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 240 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. 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 Civic (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1981 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Accord |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2390 mm |
