1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 1997 Renault Spider is newer by 17 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Spider (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Spider weights approximately 405 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, 1997 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 126 | Spider |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2350 mm |
