1971 Fiat 124 vs. 1986 Peugeot 309
To start off, 1986 Peugeot 309 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,905 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Peugeot 309 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Peugeot 309 (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 124. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Peugeot 309 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Fiat 124 weights approximately 2 kg more than 1986 Peugeot 309.
Because 1971 Fiat 124 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 1971 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Peugeot 309, 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, 1986 Peugeot 309 (163 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1986 Peugeot 309 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 124 | 1986 Peugeot 309 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 124 | 309 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
