1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1988 Fiat Vivace
To start off, 1988 Fiat Vivace is newer by 8 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 1,372 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Fiat Vivace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Fiat Vivace (62 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Fiat Vivace should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Fiat Vivace weights approximately 231 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, 1988 Fiat Vivace, 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, 1988 Fiat Vivace (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Fiat Vivace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1988 Fiat Vivace | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | Vivace |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1372 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 55.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 816 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2230 mm |
