1974 Fiat 124 vs. 1980 Fiat 126
To start off, 1980 Fiat 126 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Fiat 124 (59 HP) has 35 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Fiat 124 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1980 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, 1974 Fiat 124 (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 124 | 1980 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 124 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 24 HP |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 1850 mm |
