1960 Citroen Bijou vs. 1978 Fiat 126
To start off, 1978 Fiat 126 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Citroen Bijou. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Citroen Bijou would be higher. At 651 cc (2 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 126 (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1960 Citroen Bijou. (12 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 126 should accelerate faster than 1960 Citroen Bijou. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 126 weights approximately 21 kg more than 1960 Citroen Bijou. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 Citroen Bijou, 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, 1978 Fiat 126 (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Citroen Bijou. (23 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 126 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Citroen Bijou.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Citroen Bijou | 1978 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Bijou | 126 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 424 cc | 651 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 23 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 564 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 1850 mm |
