2009 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 845 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Honda Civic is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Honda Civic. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Vauxhall Astra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1981 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Honda | Vauxhall |
| Model | Civic | Astra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
