1982 Fiat 126 vs. 1990 Ford Escort
To start off, 1990 Ford Escort is newer by 8 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Escort (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1982 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Escort weights approximately 435 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.
Because 1982 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 1982 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Ford Escort, 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, 1990 Ford Escort (130 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat 126 | 1990 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
