1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 39 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (138 HP) has 120 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 810 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, 2012 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, 2012 Honda Civic (174 Nm) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1799 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 |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
