1971 Fiat 128 vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 128. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 128 would be higher. At 1,256 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 128 (63 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 128 should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette weights approximately 35 kg more than 1971 Fiat 128.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 128, 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, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 128. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Vauxhall Chevette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 128.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 128 | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Fiat | Vauxhall |
| Model | 128 | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
