1973 Fiat 126 vs. 1994 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 1994 Nissan Maxima is newer by 21 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 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Nissan Maxima (168 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 740 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, 1994 Nissan Maxima, 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, 1994 Nissan Maxima (253 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1994 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 1994 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 126 | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 253 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |
