2004 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Honda Accord
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 23 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 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Civic (82 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 380 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, 2004 Honda Civic (152 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1981 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | Accord |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 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 | 1270 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
