1971 Fiat 127 vs. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX (124 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 127. (48 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX weights approximately 330 kg more than 1971 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Nissan 260 ZX 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 Nissan 260 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 127, 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 Nissan 260 ZX (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 127. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan 260 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 127 | 1978 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 127 | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2610 mm |
