1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1983 Ford Orion
To start off, 1983 Ford Orion is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Orion (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Orion should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Orion weights approximately 291 kg more than 1980 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Orion, 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 Orion (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Orion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1983 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Orion |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 64.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 876 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
