1979 Fiat 126 vs. 2006 Lexus IS
To start off, 2006 Lexus IS 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus IS weights approximately 920 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, 2006 Lexus IS (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 2006 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Fiat | Lexus |
| Model | 126 | IS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2680 mm |
