1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1984 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1984 Ford Tempo is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,306 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Tempo (89 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Tempo weights approximately 520 kg more than 1978 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Tempo, 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, 1984 Ford Tempo (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126. 1984 Ford Tempo has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Ford Tempo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 1984 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2540 mm |
