1972 Fiat 850 vs. 1989 Honda Civic
To start off, 1989 Honda Civic is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Honda Civic (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 850.
Because 1972 Fiat 850 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 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Honda Civic (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 850 | 1989 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 850 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1370 mm |
