1979 Fiat 126 vs. 2005 Rover 45
To start off, 2005 Rover 45 is newer by 26 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 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Rover 45 (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Rover 45 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Rover 45 weights approximately 595 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, 2005 Rover 45, 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, 2005 Rover 45 (123 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 2005 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Fiat | Rover |
| Model | 126 | 45 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
