1981 Fiat 126 vs. 2008 Opel Frontera
To start off, 2008 Opel Frontera is newer by 27 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 2,171 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Frontera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Frontera (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Frontera should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Frontera weights approximately 1241 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 2008 Opel Frontera is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Fiat 126. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Opel Frontera 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, 2008 Opel Frontera (280 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Frontera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 2008 Opel Frontera | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 126 | Frontera |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1826 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
