1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1965 Fiat 500
To start off, 1980 Fiat 126 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 652 cc (2 cylinders), 1980 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Fiat 126 (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Fiat 126 should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Fiat 126 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1965 Fiat 500. 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, 1980 Fiat 126 (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Fiat 126 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1965 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 1950 mm |
