2012 Aston Martin Rapide vs. 1981 Honda Ballade
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide (470 HP) has 403 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide weights approximately 1205 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Aston Martin Rapide 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 2012 Aston Martin Rapide. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Ballade, 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, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 492 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin Rapide will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Aston Martin Rapide | 1981 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Honda |
| Model | Rapide | Ballade |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5900 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 470 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5019 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1928 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2330 mm |
