1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1990 Saab 9000
To start off, 1990 Saab 9000 is newer by 10 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 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Saab 9000 (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Saab 9000 weights approximately 805 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, 1990 Saab 9000, 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, 1990 Saab 9000 (216 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1990 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Fiat | Saab |
| Model | 126 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2680 mm |
