1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2006 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2006 Lancia Thesis is newer by 26 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 2,446 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lancia Thesis (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lancia Thesis should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 1101 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, 2006 Lancia Thesis, 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, 2006 Lancia Thesis (226 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2006 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 126 | Thesis |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1686 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2810 mm |
