1979 Fiat 126 vs. 1983 Ford Escort
To start off, 1983 Ford Escort is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Escort (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Escort weights approximately 365 kg more than 1979 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Escort, 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, 1983 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 1983 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2400 mm |
