1974 Fiat 124 vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (90 HP) has 31 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 124. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 35 kg more than 1974 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Fiat 124 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 1974 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Honda Civic (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 124. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 124 | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 124 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 90 HP |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
