1979 Fiat 131 vs. 2000 Honda Civic
To start off, 2000 Honda Civic is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Honda Civic (104 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 140 kg more than 2000 Honda Civic.
Because 1979 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 1979 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Honda Civic. 2000 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1979 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1979 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 2000 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 131 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
