1976 Fiat 126 vs. 1988 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1988 Ford Taurus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Taurus (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1976 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1976 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 920 kg more than 1976 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus, 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, 1988 Ford Taurus (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 126 | 1988 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 45 L |
