1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Honda Civic

To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,335 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Civic (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 636 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1968 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 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Honda Civic (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.

Compare all specifications:

1968 Fiat 500 2005 Honda Civic
Make Fiat Honda
Model 500 Civic
Year Released 1968 2005
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 497 cc 1335 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 14 HP 89 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 24 Nm 130 Nm
Torque RPM 3400 RPM 4300 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 10.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 480 kg 1116 kg
Vehicle Length 3030 mm 4150 mm
Vehicle Width 1310 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1200 mm 1450 mm
Wheelbase Size 1850 mm 2580 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 44 L 50 L