1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 27 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 2,478 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126.
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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2478 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
