1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1985 Renault 18
To start off, 1985 Renault 18 is newer by 5 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 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Renault 18 (63 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Renault 18 weights approximately 400 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, 1985 Renault 18, 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, 1985 Renault 18 (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1985 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 126 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
