1981 Honda Civic vs. 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma
To start off, 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma weights approximately 285 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma 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 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma. 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, 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma (118 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 1983 Mitsubishi Sigma | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Civic | Sigma |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2520 mm |
