1976 Fiat 126 vs. 1998 Ford Cougar

To start off, 1998 Ford Cougar is newer by 22 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Cougar (128 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1976 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar should accelerate faster than 1976 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Cougar weights approximately 711 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, 1998 Ford Cougar, 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, 1998 Ford Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 126.

Compare all specifications:

1976 Fiat 126 1998 Ford Cougar
Make Fiat Ford
Model 126 Cougar
Year Released 1976 1998
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 594 cc 1998 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 23 HP 128 HP
Engine RPM 4700 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 39 Nm 176 Nm
Torque RPM 3400 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 73.5 mm 84.8 mm
Engine Stroke Size 70 mm 88 mm
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 580 kg 1291 kg
Vehicle Length 3130 mm 4710 mm
Vehicle Width 1380 mm 1780 mm
Vehicle Height 1310 mm 1330 mm
Wheelbase Size 1850 mm 2800 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 20 L 60 L