1978 Fiat 126 vs. 2008 Toyota Yaris
To start off, 2008 Toyota Yaris is newer by 30 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 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Yaris is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Yaris (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Yaris should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Yaris weights approximately 425 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, 2008 Toyota Yaris, 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, 2008 Toyota Yaris (121 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Yaris will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126. 2008 Toyota Yaris 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. 2008 Toyota Yaris will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 2008 Toyota Yaris | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 126 | Yaris |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 15310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
