1973 Fiat 126 vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1979 Opel Ascona is newer by 6 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 2,408 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Ascona (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Ascona weights approximately 502 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.
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 Opel Ascona (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 126 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
