1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1996 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1996 Opel Vectra is newer by 16 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Vectra (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Vectra weights approximately 681 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, 1996 Opel Vectra, 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, 1996 Opel Vectra (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1996 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 126 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
