1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 32 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (207 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1185 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 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Fiat 126. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (401 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 126 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
