1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2001 Honda Civic
To start off, 2001 Honda Civic is newer by 28 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda Civic (108 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Honda Civic weights approximately 567 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, 2001 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, 2001 Honda Civic (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
