1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1981 Fiat 126 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,093 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Polo (49 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 100 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.
Because 1981 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 1981 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1978 Volkswagen Polo (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2340 mm |
