1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 29 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 915 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1980 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1980 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
