1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 315 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, 1984 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (128 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Fiat 126 | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 126 | Jetta |
Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 652 cc | 1595 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 24 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 42 Nm | 128 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 | 900 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4320 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |