1996 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 152 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 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 (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (123 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 1981 Nissan Cherry has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Cherry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2400 mm |
