1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1999 Rover 800
To start off, 1999 Rover 800 is newer by 19 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Rover 800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Rover 800 (173 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Rover 800 weights approximately 850 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, 1999 Rover 800, 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, 1999 Rover 800 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Rover 800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126. 1999 Rover 800 has automatic transmission and 1980 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1980 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Rover 800 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1999 Rover 800 | |
| Make | Fiat | Rover |
| Model | 126 | 800 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2780 mm |
