1974 Fiat 126 vs. 1981 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 1981 Nissan Sunny is newer by 7 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 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Sunny is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Sunny (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Sunny should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Sunny weights approximately 280 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.
Because 1974 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 1974 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Sunny, 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, 1981 Nissan Sunny (123 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Sunny will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 126 | 1981 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 126 | Sunny |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 593 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
