1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2004 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 30 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 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Civic (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 534 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, 2004 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, 2004 Honda Civic (141 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 50 L |
