2009 Citroen C4 vs. 1979 Fiat 126
To start off, 2009 Citroen C4 is newer by 30 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen C4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen C4 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C4 weights approximately 1001 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.
Because 1979 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 1979 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C4, 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, 2009 Citroen C4 (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126. 2009 Citroen C4 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. 2009 Citroen C4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C4 | 1979 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | C4 | 126 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1586 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2110 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 1850 mm |
