I would like to know if there is any difference between the 1.6 16v strada and palio egines.

Can I just change an engine from one and swop it into another?

Basically all Fiat 1,6-16V engines are the same, so it's more or less a direct swap indeed.
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Post your further Palio/Strada questions in the Palio section if you will...

Hi Tshepo. Yes they are exactly the same motors.