1974 Fiat 126 vs. 1999 Ford Escort
To start off, 1999 Ford Escort is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Escort (131 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Escort weights approximately 544 kg more than 1974 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Ford Escort, 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, 1999 Ford Escort (178 Nm) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 126. (39 Nm). This means 1999 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 126 | 1999 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 593 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1124 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2510 mm |
