1979 Fiat 126 vs. 2006 Ford Bantam
To start off, 2006 Ford Bantam is newer by 27 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 1,597 cc, 2006 Ford Bantam is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Bantam (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Bantam should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Bantam weights approximately 659 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, 2006 Ford Bantam, 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, 2006 Ford Bantam (179 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Bantam will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 2006 Ford Bantam | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Bantam |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1597 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
