1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1984 Volvo 740
To start off, 1984 Volvo 740 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volvo 740 (197 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volvo 740 weights approximately 855 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, 1984 Volvo 740 (296 Nm @ 2950 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 1984 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 126 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1986 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 | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2780 mm |
