1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1990 Fiat Tempra
To start off, 1990 Fiat Tempra is newer by 12 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 1,756 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Fiat Tempra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Fiat Tempra (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Fiat Tempra should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Fiat Tempra weights approximately 615 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, 1990 Fiat Tempra, 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, 1990 Fiat Tempra (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Fiat Tempra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 1990 Fiat Tempra | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | Tempra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 1756 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2550 mm |
