1985 Fiat 126 vs. 2009 Seat Leon
To start off, 2009 Seat Leon is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Seat Leon (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1985 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1985 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Seat Leon weights approximately 1068 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, 2009 Seat Leon, 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, 2009 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Fiat 126 | 2009 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Fiat | Seat |
| Model | 126 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
