1985 Fiat 126 vs. 1965 Peugeot 204
To start off, 1985 Fiat 126 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Peugeot 204. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Peugeot 204 would be higher. At 1,255 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Peugeot 204 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Peugeot 204 (44 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1985 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Peugeot 204 should accelerate faster than 1985 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Peugeot 204 weights approximately 302 kg more than 1985 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Peugeot 204, 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, 1965 Peugeot 204 (72 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Peugeot 204 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Fiat 126 | 1965 Peugeot 204 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 126 | 204 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2600 mm |
