1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1985 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1985 Nissan Santana is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan Santana weights approximately 108 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
Because 1972 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 1972 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Nissan Santana, 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, 1972 Fiat 124 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Santana. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Santana. 1985 Nissan Santana has automatic transmission and 1972 Fiat 124 has manual transmission. 1972 Fiat 124 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Nissan Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1985 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 124 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2560 mm |
