1987 Fiat 126 vs. 2004 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,668 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Civic (100 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1987 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1987 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 755 kg more than 1987 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Honda Civic (218 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Fiat 126 | 2004 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1668 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2690 mm |
