1988 Fiat 126 vs. 1983 Peugeot 305
To start off, 1988 Fiat 126 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Peugeot 305. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Peugeot 305 would be higher. At 1,904 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Peugeot 305 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Peugeot 305 (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Peugeot 305 should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Peugeot 305 weights approximately 352 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, 1983 Peugeot 305, 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, 1983 Peugeot 305 (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1983 Peugeot 305 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 1983 Peugeot 305 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 126 | 305 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1904 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 53 L |
