1959 Abarth 600 vs. 1986 Honda Civic
To start off, 1986 Honda Civic is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Honda Civic (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Honda Civic weights approximately 315 kg more than 1959 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 600 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 1959 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Honda Civic (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 1986 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Abarth | Honda |
| Model | 600 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2210 mm |
