1974 Fiat 126 vs. 2010 Honda Civic
To start off, 2010 Honda Civic is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,339 cc (2 cylinders), 2010 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Honda Civic (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Honda Civic weights approximately 669 kg more than 1974 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Honda Civic (127 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2010 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 126 | 2010 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 593 cc | 1339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1249 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
