1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1988 Honda Civic
To start off, 1988 Honda Civic is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Fiat 124 weights approximately 116 kg more than 1988 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Fiat 124 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 1972 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1972 Fiat 124 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1988 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 124 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2510 mm |
