1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1975 Peugeot 104
To start off, 1978 Fiat 126 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Peugeot 104. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Peugeot 104 would be higher. At 1,124 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Peugeot 104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Peugeot 104 (66 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Peugeot 104 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Peugeot 104 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1978 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Peugeot 104, 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, 1975 Peugeot 104 (83 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 Peugeot 104 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 1975 Peugeot 104 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 126 | 104 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2430 mm |
