1985 Fiat 126 vs. 2002 Honda Civic
To start off, 2002 Honda Civic is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,672 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda Civic (98 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1985 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1985 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Civic weights approximately 678 kg more than 1985 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Honda Civic (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Fiat 126 | 2002 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1672 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 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 | 588 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2750 mm |
