1977 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Renault Espace
To start off, 2012 Renault Espace is newer by 35 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Renault Espace (239 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Renault Espace weights approximately 1227 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, 2012 Renault Espace, 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, 2012 Renault Espace (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 126. 2012 Renault Espace has automatic transmission and 1977 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1977 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 126 | 2012 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 126 | Espace |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 2110 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2870 mm |
