1979 Fiat 126 vs. 1983 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1983 Ford Meteor is newer by 4 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 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Meteor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Meteor (72 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Meteor should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Meteor weights approximately 300 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, 1983 Ford Meteor, 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, 1983 Ford Meteor (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Meteor will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 1983 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2370 mm |
