1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Honda Civic
To start off, 1998 Honda Civic is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Civic weights approximately 660 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Honda Civic (175 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Fiat 500 | 1998 Honda Civic | |
Make | Fiat | Honda |
Model | 500 | Civic |
Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1834 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 27 Nm | 175 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1170 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4580 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |