1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 1987 Fiat 126
To start off, 1987 Fiat 126 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,220 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1200 (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1987 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1200 should accelerate faster than 1987 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1200 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1987 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1959 Fiat 1200 (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Fiat 1200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1200 | 1987 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 1200 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 1850 mm |
