1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1997 Rover 600
To start off, 1997 Rover 600 is newer by 16 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 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Rover 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Rover 600 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Rover 600 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Rover 600 weights approximately 675 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, 1997 Rover 600, 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, 1997 Rover 600 (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Rover 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 1997 Rover 600 | |
| Make | Fiat | Rover |
| Model | 126 | 600 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2730 mm |
