1979 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Mazda 2
To start off, 2012 Mazda 2 is newer by 33 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 1,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 2 (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 2 weights approximately 461 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, 2012 Mazda 2, 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, 2012 Mazda 2 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126. 2012 Mazda 2 has automatic transmission and 1979 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1979 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 2 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 2012 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 126 | 2 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1500 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 | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1695 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1475 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2489 mm |
