1981 Fiat 127 vs. 1975 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1981 Fiat 127 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 127 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat 127 (44 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 127 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 127 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Volkswagen 1302 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 1975 Volkswagen 1302. 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, 1975 Volkswagen 1302 (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 127. (75 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 Volkswagen 1302 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 127 | 1975 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 127 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 75 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
