1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 11 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Suzuki Samurai (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 345 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 1989 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Fiat 126. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Fiat | Suzuki |
| Model | 126 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2490 mm |
