1983 Fiat 126 vs. 1971 Fiat 125
To start off, 1983 Fiat 126 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 125. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 125 would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 125 (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1983 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 125 should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Fiat 125 weights approximately 375 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, 1971 Fiat 125 (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Fiat 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat 126 | 1971 Fiat 125 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 650 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2430 mm |
