1988 Fiat 126 vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 1988 Fiat 126 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 4 would be higher. At 845 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 4 (34 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 4 should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 4 weights approximately 12 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, 1978 Renault 4, 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, 1978 Renault 4 (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 126 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 38 L |
