1982 Fiat 126 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1982 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1021 kg more than 1982 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat 126. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1982 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1982 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat 126 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2880 mm |
