1982 Fiat 126 vs. 1967 Wartburg 353
To start off, 1982 Fiat 126 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Wartburg 353. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Wartburg 353 would be higher. At 993 cc (3 cylinders), 1967 Wartburg 353 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Wartburg 353 (49 HP) has 25 more horse power than 1982 Fiat 126. (24 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1967 Wartburg 353 should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Wartburg 353 weights approximately 339 kg more than 1982 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1967 Wartburg 353, 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, 1967 Wartburg 353 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1967 Wartburg 353 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat 126 | 1967 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Fiat | Wartburg |
| Model | 126 | 353 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2460 mm |
