1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2004 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2004 Opel Zafira is newer by 24 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Zafira is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Zafira (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Zafira should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Zafira weights approximately 965 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, 2004 Opel Zafira, 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, 2004 Opel Zafira (270 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Zafira will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2004 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 126 | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
