1978 Fiat 126 vs. 2003 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2003 Pontiac GTO is newer by 25 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 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac GTO (350 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 326 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 1105 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 453 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 2003 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 126 | GTO |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 5664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2750 mm |
