1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1962 Honda S500
To start off, 1981 Fiat 126 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 652 cc (2 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Honda S500 (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Honda S500 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Honda S500 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1981 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Fiat 126 (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat 126 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 1962 Honda S500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | S500 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2010 mm |
