1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1989 Saab 900
To start off, 1989 Saab 900 is newer by 17 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 900 (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 124. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 900 weights approximately 324 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Saab 900, 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, 1989 Saab 900 (273 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1989 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Fiat | Saab |
| Model | 124 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2720 mm |
