1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1988 Fiat Tipo
To start off, 1988 Fiat Tipo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,756 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Fiat Tipo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Fiat Tipo (138 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Fiat Tipo should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Fiat Tipo weights approximately 515 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, 1988 Fiat Tipo, 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, 1988 Fiat Tipo (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Fiat Tipo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 1988 Fiat Tipo | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | Tipo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1756 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2550 mm |
