1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1990 Honda Civic
To start off, 1990 Honda Civic is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda Civic (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda Civic weights approximately 486 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Honda Civic (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1990 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 45 L |
