1973 Austin 1800 vs. 1996 Fiat 126
To start off, 1996 Fiat 126 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Austin 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Austin 1800 (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Austin 1800 should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Austin 1800 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1996 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Fiat 126 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Austin 1800, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1973 Austin 1800 (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Austin 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin 1800 | 1996 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | 1800 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 704 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 25 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 49 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 50 L |
