1977 Chrysler 1609 vs. 1973 Fiat 126
To start off, 1977 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 4 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 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Chrysler 1609 (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 510 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, 1977 Chrysler 1609 (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1977 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Chrysler 1609 | 1973 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Fiat |
| Model | 1609 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1639 cc | 594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 1850 mm |
