1981 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,333 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 59 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat Panda weights approximately 180 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic.
Because 2012 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Honda | Fiat |
| Model | Civic | Panda |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 70.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 30 L |
