1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1962 Toyota Publica
To start off, 1980 Fiat 126 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Toyota Publica would be higher. At 697 cc (2 cylinders), 1962 Toyota Publica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Toyota Publica (29 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Toyota Publica should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Fiat 126 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1962 Toyota Publica.
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, 1962 Toyota Publica (54 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Toyota Publica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1962 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 126 | Publica |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2140 mm |
