1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1998 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1998 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 18 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Suzuki Vitara (77 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Vitara should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Suzuki Vitara 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.
Because 1998 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Fiat 126. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Suzuki Vitara (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Suzuki Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1998 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Fiat | Suzuki |
| Model | 126 | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2210 mm |
