1983 Fiat 126 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1983 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 595 kg more than 1983 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Honda Civic (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat 126 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 650 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
