1978 Fiat 126 vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Dion
To start off, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion is newer by 24 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mitsubishi Dion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion (133 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mitsubishi Dion weights approximately 801 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion, 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Dion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126. 2002 Mitsubishi Dion 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. 2002 Mitsubishi Dion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 2002 Mitsubishi Dion | |
| Make | Fiat | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 126 | Dion |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
