1981 Fiat 126 vs. 2009 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius is newer by 28 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 1,497 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Prius (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 1099 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, 2009 Toyota Prius, 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, 2009 Toyota Prius (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Prius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126. 2009 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1981 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1981 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 2009 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 126 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
