2012 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 170 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2012 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 2012 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Fiat 500 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1096 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3546 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1628 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1519 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2301 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
