1970 Abarth 595 vs. 1978 Fiat 126
To start off, 1978 Fiat 126 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Abarth 595. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Abarth 595 would be higher. At 651 cc (2 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Abarth 595 (27 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Abarth 595 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 126 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1970 Abarth 595.
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, 1970 Abarth 595 (46 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Abarth 595 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Abarth 595 | 1978 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 595 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 651 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 46 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
