1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1977 Fiat 126
To start off, 1977 Fiat 126 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 594 cc (2 cylinders), 1977 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Fiat 126 (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Fiat 126 should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Fiat 126 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1970 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, 1977 Fiat 126 (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1977 Fiat 126 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1977 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 20 L |
