1958 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Honda Civic
To start off, 1989 Honda Civic is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Honda Civic (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500.
Because 1958 Fiat 500 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 1958 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Honda Civic (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 500 | 1989 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
