1981 Honda Civic vs. 1972 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 1981 Honda Civic is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Reliant Rebel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Reliant Rebel would be higher. At 1,333 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Honda Civic (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1972 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1972 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Honda Civic weights approximately 210 kg more than 1972 Reliant Rebel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Reliant Rebel 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 1972 Reliant Rebel. 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Reliant Rebel. (53 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 1972 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Honda | Reliant |
| Model | Civic | Rebel |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 60.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2270 mm |
