1999 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 1980 Fiat 126
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 19 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Chevrolet Prizm is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 507 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.
Because 1980 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 1980 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet Prizm, 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, 1999 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Chevrolet Prizm | 1980 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Fiat |
| Model | Prizm | 126 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1092 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 1850 mm |
