1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1954 Fiat 1400
To start off, 1972 Fiat 126 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Fiat 1400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Fiat 1400 would be higher. At 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Fiat 1400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Fiat 1400 (43 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Fiat 1400 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Fiat 1400 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1972 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, 1954 Fiat 1400 (87 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Fiat 1400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 1954 Fiat 1400 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | 1400 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 6.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 50 L |
