1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire 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 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 615 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 Pontiac Sunfire, 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 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 1999 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 126 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2650 mm |
