1996 Fiat 126 vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1996 Fiat 126 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 495 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.
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, 1978 Nissan Laurel (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 126 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2680 mm |
