1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1974 Volvo 245
To start off, 1974 Volvo 245 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 245 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 245 (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 245 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 245 weights approximately 814 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, 1974 Volvo 245 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 245 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 1974 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 126 | 245 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| 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 | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 60 L |
