2009 Honda Civic vs. 1980 Reliant GTC
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant GTC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant GTC would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Reliant GTC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1980 Reliant GTC. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant GTC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 171 kg more than 1980 Reliant GTC. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Reliant GTC 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 1980 Reliant GTC. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1980 Reliant GTC (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1980 Reliant GTC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1980 Reliant GTC | |
| Make | Honda | Reliant |
| Model | Civic | GTC |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 91 L |
