1988 Fiat 126 vs. 2013 Honda Civic
To start off, 2013 Honda Civic is newer by 25 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Honda Civic weights approximately 579 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, 2013 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, 2013 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1227 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4556 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1752 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
