2001 Daihatsu Sirion vs. 1980 Fiat 126
To start off, 2001 Daihatsu Sirion is newer by 21 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Daihatsu Sirion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Daihatsu Sirion (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Daihatsu Sirion should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Daihatsu Sirion weights approximately 285 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, 2001 Daihatsu Sirion, 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, 2001 Daihatsu Sirion (121 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Daihatsu Sirion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126. 2001 Daihatsu Sirion has automatic transmission and 1980 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1980 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Daihatsu Sirion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Daihatsu Sirion | 1980 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Fiat |
| Model | Sirion | 126 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.7 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3680 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 1850 mm |
