1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 18 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 1,351 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 (90 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 590 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 (115 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 126 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 67.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2550 mm |
