1979 Fiat 126 vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Ford Mustang is newer by 17 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 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 962 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.
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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 4655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
