1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2001 Honda Civic
To start off, 2001 Honda Civic is newer by 39 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 1,672 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda Civic (183 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Honda Civic weights approximately 555 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, 2001 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, 2001 Honda Civic (160 Nm @ 7500 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1672 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
