1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1989 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1989 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 9 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Vauxhall Carlton (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 567 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.
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, 1989 Vauxhall Carlton (151 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1989 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Fiat | Vauxhall |
| Model | 126 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2740 mm |
