1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1978 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1980 Fiat 126 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-7 (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 475 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, 1978 Mazda RX-7 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1978 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 126 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2430 mm |
