1982 Fiat 126 vs. 1997 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 406 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Peugeot 406 (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1982 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 759 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, 1997 Peugeot 406, 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, 1997 Peugeot 406 (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat 126. 1997 Peugeot 406 has automatic transmission and 1982 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1982 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Peugeot 406 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat 126 | 1997 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 126 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2730 mm |
