1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1996 Rover 400
To start off, 1996 Rover 400 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 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Rover 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 400 (109 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126.
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 Rover 400, 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 Rover 400 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1996 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Fiat | Rover |
| Model | 126 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2560 mm |
