1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1963 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1972 Fiat 126 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Opel Rekord (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Opel Rekord weights approximately 390 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, 1963 Opel Rekord (108 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 1963 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 126 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 74 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2650 mm |
