1958 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 50 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 710 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, 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, 2008 Honda Civic (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 50 L |
