1996 Fiat 126 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Fiat 126 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volkswagen Polo (55 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 80 kg more than 1996 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1976 Volkswagen Polo (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
