1977 Fiat 126 vs. 1974 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1977 Fiat 126 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen 1302 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen 1302 (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen 1302 should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen 1302 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1977 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, 1974 Volkswagen 1302 (85 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen 1302 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 126 | 1974 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
