1979 Fiat 126 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, both 1979 Fiat 126 and 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit were released in the same year (1979). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 225 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.
Because 1979 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 1979 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 Volkswagen Rabbit (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1979 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1979 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
