1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Fusca
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Fusca is newer by 16 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 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Fusca is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Fusca (52 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Fusca should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Fusca weights approximately 235 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, 1996 Volkswagen Fusca (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Fusca will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1996 Volkswagen Fusca | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Fusca |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
