1976 Fiat 126 vs. 1949 Simca 8
To start off, 1976 Fiat 126 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Simca 8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Simca 8 would be higher. At 1,220 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Simca 8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Simca 8 (49 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1976 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1949 Simca 8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Simca 8 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1976 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, 1949 Simca 8 (88 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1949 Simca 8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 126 | 1949 Simca 8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Simca |
| Model | 126 | 8 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 74.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
