1979 Fiat 126 vs. 2005 Saleen S7
To start off, 2005 Saleen S7 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 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Saleen S7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saleen S7 (750 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 726 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saleen S7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saleen S7 weights approximately 662 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, 2005 Saleen S7 (949 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 907 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Saleen S7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 2005 Saleen S7 | |
| Make | Fiat | Saleen |
| Model | 126 | S7 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 750 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 949 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1981 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1041 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2692 mm |
