1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1998 Ford Focus
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 20 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 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 489 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, 1998 Ford Focus, 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, 1998 Ford Focus (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 1998 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |
