1977 Fiat 126 vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1988 Toyota Carina is newer by 11 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Toyota Carina (97 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Carina weights approximately 492 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, 1988 Toyota Carina, 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, 1988 Toyota Carina (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 126 | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 126 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2530 mm |
