1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2000 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2000 Lotus Exige is newer by 20 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Lotus Exige weights approximately 201 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2000 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2000 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2310 mm |
