1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1984 Honda Civic
To start off, 1984 Honda Civic is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Honda Civic (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Honda Civic weights approximately 254 kg more than 1964 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 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 1964 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1984 Honda Civic (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1984 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1984 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 61 L |
