1981 Fiat 126 vs. 2008 Volvo V50
To start off, 2008 Volvo V50 is newer by 27 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo V50 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo V50 weights approximately 1076 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 2008 Volvo V50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Fiat 126. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo V50 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 2008 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 126 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1661 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2650 mm |
