1970 AMC Gremlin vs. 1980 Honda Civic
To start off, 1980 Honda Civic is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 AMC Gremlin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 AMC Gremlin would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 AMC Gremlin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 AMC Gremlin (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 AMC Gremlin should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 AMC Gremlin weights approximately 382 kg more than 1980 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 AMC Gremlin 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 1970 AMC Gremlin. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1970 AMC Gremlin (251 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 AMC Gremlin will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 AMC Gremlin | 1980 Honda Civic | |
| Make | AMC | Honda |
| Model | Gremlin | Civic |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1167 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
