1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1971 Volvo 164
To start off, 1981 Fiat 126 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Volvo 164 (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Volvo 164 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volvo 164 weights approximately 775 kg more than 1981 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1971 Volvo 164 (210 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 1971 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 126 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2730 mm |
