1948 Citroen 2CV vs. 1983 Fiat 126
To start off, 1983 Fiat 126 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 650 cc (2 cylinders), 1983 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Fiat 126 (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (9 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Fiat 126 should accelerate faster than 1948 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Citroen 2CV weights approximately 97 kg more than 1983 Fiat 126.
Because 1983 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 1983 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1948 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1983 Fiat 126 (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (23 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1983 Fiat 126 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Citroen 2CV | 1983 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | 2CV | 126 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 650 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 9 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 23 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 682 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 1850 mm |
