1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1979 Volvo 260 is newer by 7 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 770 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, 1979 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126. 1979 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1972 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1972 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Fiat 126 | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
Make | Fiat | Volvo |
Model | 126 | 260 |
Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 652 cc | 2664 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 24 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 42 Nm | 218 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4890 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |