1973 Fiat 126 vs. 2013 Honda Civic
To start off, 2013 Honda Civic is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Honda Civic weights approximately 698 kg more than 1973 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2013 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 2013 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1752 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1397 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 50 L |
