1962 Honda S500 vs. 2006 Honda Civic
To start off, 2006 Honda Civic is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Civic weights approximately 585 kg more than 1962 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Honda S500 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 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Honda Civic (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 2006 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | S500 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
