1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 23 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 376 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 895 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 514 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 556 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
