1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1976 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Fiat 126 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 957 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Fiesta (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 130 kg more than 1981 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1976 Ford Fiesta (65 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 1976 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2290 mm |
