1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1995 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1995 Toyota Starlet is newer by 14 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 998 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Toyota Starlet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Toyota Starlet (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Toyota Starlet should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Toyota Starlet weights approximately 145 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, 1995 Toyota Starlet, 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, 1995 Toyota Starlet (77 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Toyota Starlet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 1995 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 126 | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2310 mm |
