1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 31 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 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 1157 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, 2011 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Fiat | Lexus |
| Model | 126 | IS |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2731 mm |
