1979 Fiat 126 vs. 1996 Hyundai Tiburon
To start off, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon 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 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Hyundai Tiburon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Hyundai Tiburon weights approximately 672 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, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon, 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, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Hyundai Tiburon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 1996 Hyundai Tiburon | |
| Make | Fiat | Hyundai |
| Model | 126 | Tiburon |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
