1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 17 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 1,712 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 640 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Fiat 126 | 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
Model | 126 | 146 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 652 cc | 1712 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Horse Power | 24 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 42 Nm | 149 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4260 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2550 mm |