1960 Abarth 600 vs. 1978 Honda Civic
To start off, 1978 Honda Civic is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,169 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Honda Civic (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 600. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Honda Civic weights approximately 93 kg more than 1960 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Honda Civic (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 600 | 1978 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Abarth | Honda |
| Model | 600 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 678 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2210 mm |
