1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1980 Fiat 126
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Caterham C21 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1980 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1980 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | C21 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 1850 mm |
