1995 Fiat 126 vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1995 Fiat 126 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 18 would be higher. At 1,645 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 18 (78 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1995 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1995 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 18 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1995 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18, 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 18 (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Fiat 126 | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 126 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1645 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 53 L |
