1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1980 Fiat 127
To start off, both 1980 Fiat 126 and 1980 Fiat 127 were released in the same year (1980). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 901 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Fiat 127 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Fiat 127 (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Fiat 127 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Fiat 127 weights approximately 120 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, 1980 Fiat 127, 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, 1980 Fiat 127 (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Fiat 127 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1980 Fiat 127 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | 127 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 67.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2230 mm |
