1977 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 6,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lancia Thema (465 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 441 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 1392 kg more than 1977 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Lancia Thema (630 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 588 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 126. 2012 Lancia Thema has automatic transmission and 1977 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1977 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lancia Thema will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 126 | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 126 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 6400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 465 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 5088 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1478 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 3053 mm |
