2004 Fiat Panda vs. 1978 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Fiat Panda is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Fiat Panda (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Fiat Panda weights approximately 422 kg more than 1978 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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 Fiat Panda (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Panda | 1978 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | Panda | Civic |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 678 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2210 mm |
