1996 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,339 cc (2 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 604 kg more than 1996 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 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 (127 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 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 1996 Fiat 126. 2012 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1996 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1996 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:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1249 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
