1983 Fiat 126 vs. 1966 Fiat 124
To start off, 1983 Fiat 126 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,438 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Fiat 124 (90 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1983 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Fiat 124 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1983 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Fiat 124 (108 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat 126 | 1966 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | 124 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 650 cc | 1438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2290 mm |
