1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1986 Honda Civic
To start off, 1986 Honda Civic is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Honda Civic (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Honda Civic weights approximately 320 kg more than 1972 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Fiat 126 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 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Honda Civic (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 1986 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2210 mm |
