2003 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1987 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Honda Civic (130 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 291 kg more than 1987 Honda Civic.
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, 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Honda Civic. (143 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1987 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Model | Cavalier | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2210 mm |
