1969 Honda S800 vs. 1981 Honda Civic
To start off, 1981 Honda Civic is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Honda S800 would be higher. At 1,333 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Honda S800 (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Honda S800 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Honda Civic weights approximately 75 kg more than 1969 Honda S800.
Because 1969 Honda S800 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 1969 Honda S800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Civic, 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, 1981 Honda Civic (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Honda S800. (66 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1981 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Honda S800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Honda S800 | 1981 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | S800 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 789 cc | 1333 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 40 L |
