1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1991 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1991 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 13 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1167 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, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (373 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 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 | 1991 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1752 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 |
