1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1974 Honda 145
To start off, 1980 Fiat 126 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda 145 would be higher. At 1,433 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Honda 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Honda 145 (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Honda 145 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Honda 145 weights approximately 339 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.
Because 1980 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 1980 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda 145, 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, 1974 Honda 145 (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Honda 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1974 Honda 145 | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | 145 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1433 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2260 mm |
