1971 Fiat 130 vs. 1980 Fiat 126
To start off, 1980 Fiat 126 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 130. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 130 would be higher. At 3,235 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 130 (165 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 130 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Fiat 130 weights approximately 957 kg more than 1980 Fiat 126. 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, 1971 Fiat 130 (249 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Fiat 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126. 1971 Fiat 130 has automatic transmission and 1980 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1980 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Fiat 130 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 130 | 1980 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 130 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3235 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 1850 mm |
