1996 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (90 HP) has 15 more horse power than 1989 Reliant Scimitar. (75 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1989 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 125 kg more than 1989 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Honda Civic (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Reliant Scimitar. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1989 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Honda | Reliant |
| Model | Civic | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2140 mm |
