1984 Fiat 126 vs. 1974 NSU 1000
To start off, 1984 Fiat 126 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 NSU 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 NSU 1000 would be higher. At 994 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 NSU 1000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 NSU 1000 (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1984 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 NSU 1000 should accelerate faster than 1984 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 NSU 1000 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1984 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, 1974 NSU 1000 (70 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 NSU 1000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Fiat 126 | 1974 NSU 1000 | |
| Make | Fiat | NSU |
| Model | 126 | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2260 mm |
