1988 Fiat 126 vs. 2001 Honda Civic
To start off, 2001 Honda Civic is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,672 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda Civic (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Honda Civic weights approximately 432 kg more than 1988 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Honda Civic (153 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 2001 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1672 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 94.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
