1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1981 Ford Laser
To start off, 1981 Ford Laser is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Laser (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Laser weights approximately 207 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, 1981 Ford Laser, 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, 1981 Ford Laser (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Fiat 126 | 1981 Ford Laser | |
Make | Fiat | Ford |
Model | 126 | Laser |
Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 651 cc | 1490 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 24 HP | 85 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 42 Nm | 120 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 792 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2370 mm |