1974 Fiat 126 vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1978 Toyota Starlet is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,166 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Starlet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Starlet (55 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Starlet should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Starlet weights approximately 195 kg more than 1974 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, 1978 Toyota Starlet (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Starlet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 126 | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 126 | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 593 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 70 L |
