2002 Cadillac Catera vs. 1979 Fiat 126
To start off, 2002 Cadillac Catera is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 1120 kg more than 1979 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, 2002 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126. 2002 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1979 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1979 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac Catera | 1979 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Fiat |
| Model | Catera | 126 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 1850 mm |
