1988 Fiat 126 vs. 1973 Honda 145
To start off, 1988 Fiat 126 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda 145 would be higher. At 1,432 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Honda 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Honda 145 (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Honda 145 should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Honda 145 weights approximately 272 kg more than 1988 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda 145, 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, 1973 Honda 145 (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Honda 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 1973 Honda 145 | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | 145 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1432 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2260 mm |
