1977 Fiat 126 vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona 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.
Because 1977 Fiat 126 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1977 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 126 | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 126 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
