1989 Chrysler Viper vs. 1981 Fiat 126
To start off, 1989 Chrysler Viper is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1989 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chrysler Viper (449 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 425 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 950 kg more than 1981 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Chrysler Viper (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 622 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chrysler Viper | 1981 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Fiat |
| Model | Viper | 126 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 449 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 1850 mm |
