1998 Honda Accord vs. 1981 Honda Accord
To start off, 1998 Honda Accord is newer by 17 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Accord (201 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Accord weights approximately 410 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, 1998 Honda Accord (196 Nm @ 6600 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Accord | 1981 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Accord | Accord |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
