1979 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 1415 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 2012 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Fiat 126. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126. 2012 Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 126 | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2700 mm |
