1960 Fiat 500 vs. 1979 Fiat 126
To start off, 1979 Fiat 126 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 652 cc (2 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Fiat 126 (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Fiat 126 should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 126 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. 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, 1979 Fiat 126 (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 126 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fiat 500 | 1979 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 500 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1960 mm | 1850 mm |
