1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1961 Peugeot 404
To start off, 1972 Fiat 126 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Peugeot 404. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Peugeot 404 would be higher. At 1,618 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Peugeot 404 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Peugeot 404 (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Peugeot 404 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Peugeot 404 weights approximately 485 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, 1961 Peugeot 404 (127 Nm) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm). This means 1961 Peugeot 404 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 1961 Peugeot 404 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 126 | 404 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1618 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73 mm |
| 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 | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 50 L |
