1963 Fiat 500 vs. 1974 Honda 145
To start off, 1974 Honda 145 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,433 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Honda 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Honda 145 (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Honda 145 should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Honda 145 weights approximately 384 kg more than 1963 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda 145, 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, 1974 Honda 145 (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1974 Honda 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 500 | 1974 Honda 145 | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | 145 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1433 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2260 mm |
