1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1968 Simca 1301
To start off, 1972 Fiat 126 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Simca 1301. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Simca 1301 would be higher. At 1,475 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Simca 1301 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Simca 1301 (68 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Simca 1301 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Simca 1301 weights approximately 415 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, 1968 Simca 1301 (124 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Simca 1301 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 1968 Simca 1301 | |
| Make | Fiat | Simca |
| Model | 126 | 1301 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1475 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| 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 | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 60 L |
