2005 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1981 Honda Accord
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 24 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 530 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, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1981 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Model | Cobalt | Accord |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 50 L |
