1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1999 Opel Signum
To start off, 1999 Opel Signum is newer by 21 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 2,171 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Signum (123 HP @ 3250 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Signum weights approximately 1025 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, 1999 Opel Signum, 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, 1999 Opel Signum (271 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126. 1999 Opel Signum has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Opel Signum will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 1999 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 126 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2840 mm |
