1979 Fiat 126 vs. 1982 Fiat Abarth
To start off, 1982 Fiat Abarth is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Fiat Abarth is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Fiat Abarth (140 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Fiat Abarth should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Fiat Abarth weights approximately 555 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, 1982 Fiat Abarth (215 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Fiat Abarth will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 1982 Fiat Abarth | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | Abarth |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
