1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1997 Honda Civic
To start off, 1997 Honda Civic is newer by 35 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 1,832 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Civic weights approximately 685 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, 1997 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, 1997 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Honda Civic | |
Make | Fiat | Honda |
Model | 500 | Civic |
Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1832 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 22 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 36 Nm | 174 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 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 | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1170 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4580 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |