1988 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Honda Civic

To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 24 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 602 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, 2012 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, 2012 Honda Civic (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126. 2012 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1988 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1988 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1988 Fiat 126 2012 Honda Civic
Make Fiat Honda
Model 126 Civic
Year Released 1988 2012
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 703 cc 1800 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 26 HP 140 HP
Engine RPM 4500 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 49 Nm 173 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 4300 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual 5-speed automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 648 kg 1250 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 L 50 L