2008 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus

To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus would be higher. At 2,170 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (150 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 306 kg more than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus.

Because 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus 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 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Honda Civic 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus
Make Honda Talbot
Model Civic Sunbeam-Lotus
Year Released 2008 1979
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1799 cc 2170 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 138 HP 150 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 5750 RPM
Torque 174 Nm 203 Nm
Torque RPM 4300 RPM 4500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 81 mm 95.2 mm
Engine Stroke Size 87.3 mm 76.2 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.5:1 9.4:1
Top Speed 205 km/hour 195 km/hour
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1266 kg 960 kg
Vehicle Length 4280 mm 3840 mm
Vehicle Width 1790 mm 1610 mm
Vehicle Height 1470 mm 1410 mm
Wheelbase Size 2630 mm 2420 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 L 40 L