1981 Fiat 126 vs. 2006 Honda Civic
To start off, 2006 Honda Civic is newer by 25 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 1,999 cc, 2006 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Civic (198 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Civic weights approximately 720 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, 2006 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, 2006 Honda Civic (188 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1999 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |
