1981 Fiat 127 vs. 1966 Renault 8
To start off, 1981 Fiat 127 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Renault 8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Renault 8 would be higher. At 1,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 127 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Renault 8 (47 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Renault 8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 127 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1966 Renault 8.
Because 1966 Renault 8 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 1966 Renault 8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 127, 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, 1966 Renault 8 (78 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 127. (75 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Renault 8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 127 | 1966 Renault 8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 127 | 8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 75 Nm | 78 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2280 mm |
