1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1973 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1980 Fiat 126 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Opel Rekord (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Opel Rekord weights approximately 480 kg more than 1980 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, 1973 Opel Rekord (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1973 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 126 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2680 mm |
