1973 Fiat 126 vs. 2005 Honda Civic
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Civic (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 612 kg more than 1973 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Fiat 126 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 1973 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Honda Civic (152 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 2005 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 50 L |
