1981 Fiat 126 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 24 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Polo (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 729 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, 2005 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2005 Volkswagen Polo (335 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 2005 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
