1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2001 Honda Civic

To start off, 2001 Honda Civic is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,672 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda Civic (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Honda Civic weights approximately 564 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1974 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 1974 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 (153 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.

Compare all specifications:

1974 Fiat 500 2001 Honda Civic
Make Fiat Honda
Model 500 Civic
Year Released 1974 2001
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 499 cc 1672 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 18 HP 118 HP
Engine RPM 4600 RPM 6300 RPM
Torque 27 Nm 153 Nm
Torque RPM 3200 RPM 4500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 67.4 mm 75 mm
Engine Stroke Size 70 mm 94.4 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 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 516 kg 1080 kg
Vehicle Length 2980 mm 4440 mm
Vehicle Width 1330 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1410 mm
Wheelbase Size 1850 mm 2580 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 22 L 50 L