1977 Fiat 126 vs. 1976 Volvo 343
To start off, 1977 Fiat 126 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volvo 343 weights approximately 410 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, 1976 Volvo 343 (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1976 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 126 | 1976 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 126 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
