1958 Fiat 500 vs. 1999 Honda Civic
To start off, 1999 Honda Civic is newer by 41 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 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda Civic (167 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda Civic weights approximately 800 kg more than 1958 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 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, 1999 Honda Civic (166 Nm @ 6300 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7600 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
