1973 Fiat 126 vs. 1969 Saab 99
To start off, 1973 Fiat 126 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Saab 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Saab 99 would be higher. At 1,707 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Saab 99 (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Saab 99 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Saab 99 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1973 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Saab 99, 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, 1969 Saab 99 (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1969 Saab 99 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 1969 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Fiat | Saab |
| Model | 126 | 99 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 54 L |
