1979 Fiat 126 vs. 1993 Volvo 440
To start off, 1993 Volvo 440 is newer by 14 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volvo 440 (118 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 440 weights approximately 507 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, 1993 Volvo 440, 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, 1993 Volvo 440 (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 1993 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 126 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2650 mm |
