1973 Fiat 126 vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 1980 Renault 12 is newer by 7 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 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Renault 12 weights approximately 320 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, 1980 Renault 12, 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, 1980 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 126 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 56 L |
