1981 Fiat 126 vs. 2005 Honda Civic
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,334 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Civic (85 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 628 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.
Because 1981 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 1981 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Honda Civic (118 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm). This means 2005 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 2005 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1213 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
