1979 Fiat 126 vs. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 22 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe (134 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 1005 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, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Fiat | Hyundai |
| Model | 126 | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
