1996 Fiat 126 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 1996 Fiat 126 and 1996 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (54 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 215 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, 1996 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (92 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| 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 | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
