1979 Fiat 126 vs. 1999 Renault Spider
To start off, 1999 Renault Spider is newer by 20 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Renault Spider (296 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Renault Spider weights approximately 411 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, 1999 Renault Spider (340 Nm @ 3120 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 1999 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 126 | Spider |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3120 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2350 mm |
