1973 Fiat 126 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 28 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 3,783 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 960 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 126 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 3783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 76 L |
