2003 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1978 Fiat 126
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 371 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 1165 kg more than 1978 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, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (544 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 502 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | 1978 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Fiat |
| Model | Corvette | 126 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 651 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 544 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 1850 mm |
