1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 85 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Fiat 131 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 1978 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 131 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
