1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1990 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1990 Ford Thunderbird 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1025 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.
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, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 1990 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2880 mm |
