2008 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 83 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic.
Because 1981 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 1981 Reliant Scimitar. 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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (188 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 1981 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Honda | Reliant |
| Model | Civic | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
