1981 Fiat 126 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo is newer by 30 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 1,366 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo weights approximately 570 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo, 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo (129 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 126 | MiTo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1366 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
