1976 Fiat 126 vs. 1987 Honda Civic
To start off, 1987 Honda Civic is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Honda Civic (130 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1976 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1976 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Honda Civic weights approximately 320 kg more than 1976 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Honda Civic (143 Nm @ 5700 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1987 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 126 | 1987 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2210 mm |
