1977 Fiat 126 vs. 1966 Fiat 500
To start off, 1977 Fiat 126 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 594 cc (2 cylinders), 1977 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Fiat 126 (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Fiat 126 should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Fiat 126 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1966 Fiat 500. 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 Fiat 126 (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1977 Fiat 126 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 126 | 1966 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 1950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 38 L |
