1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2005 Seat Leon
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon is newer by 25 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Seat Leon (223 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Leon weights approximately 735 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, 2005 Seat Leon, 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, 2005 Seat Leon (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Fiat | Seat |
| Model | 126 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
