1978 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1981 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 622 kg more than 1978 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Reliant Scimitar 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 1981 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Civic | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Honda | Reliant |
| Model | Civic | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2640 mm |
