1980 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Isuzu Gemini
To start off, 1980 Honda Civic is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Isuzu Gemini. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Isuzu Gemini would be higher. At 1,817 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Isuzu Gemini is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Isuzu Gemini (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Isuzu Gemini should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Isuzu Gemini weights approximately 165 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 1979 Isuzu Gemini 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 1979 Isuzu Gemini. 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, 1979 Isuzu Gemini (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Isuzu Gemini will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Civic | 1979 Isuzu Gemini | |
| Make | Honda | Isuzu |
| Model | Civic | Gemini |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1817 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2410 mm |
