1961 Fiat 850 vs. 1979 Honda Civic
To start off, 1979 Honda Civic is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,335 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Honda Civic (67 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 850. (51 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Honda Civic weights approximately 182 kg more than 1961 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 850 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 1961 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Honda Civic (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 850 | 1979 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 850 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 613 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3290 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 40 L |
