1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1979 Renault 4
To start off, 1981 Fiat 126 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 4 would be higher. At 955 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Renault 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Renault 4 (34 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Renault 4 weights approximately 110 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, 1979 Renault 4, 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, 1979 Renault 4 (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Fiat 126 | 1979 Renault 4 | |
Make | Fiat | Renault |
Model | 126 | 4 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 652 cc | 955 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 24 HP | 34 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 42 Nm | 62 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 695 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |