1979 Citroen CX vs. 1972 Fiat 126
To start off, 1979 Citroen CX is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Citroen CX (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Citroen CX weights approximately 810 kg more than 1972 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Citroen CX, 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, 1979 Citroen CX (166 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen CX | 1972 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | CX | 126 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 105 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 1850 mm |
