1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1983 Fiat 131
To start off, 1983 Fiat 131 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,367 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Fiat 131 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Fiat 131 weights approximately 465 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, 1983 Fiat 131 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1983 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2500 mm |
