1979 Fiat 126 vs. 1971 ZAZ 966
To start off, 1979 Fiat 126 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 ZAZ 966. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 ZAZ 966 would be higher. At 885 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 ZAZ 966 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 ZAZ 966 (27 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 ZAZ 966 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 ZAZ 966 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1979 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, 1971 ZAZ 966 (52 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 ZAZ 966 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 1971 ZAZ 966 | |
| Make | Fiat | ZAZ |
| Model | 126 | 966 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 885 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 54.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2170 mm |
