1973 Fiat 126 vs. 1974 Honda 1300
To start off, 1974 Honda 1300 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,298 cc, 1974 Honda 1300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Honda 1300 (81 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Honda 1300 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Honda 1300 weights approximately 315 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, 1974 Honda 1300, 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, 1974 Honda 1300 (105 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 Honda 1300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 1974 Honda 1300 | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | 1300 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1298 cc |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 35 L |
