1982 Fiat 126 vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante is newer by 14 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 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante (238 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1982 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante weights approximately 965 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante, 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat 126. 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante 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. 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat 126 | 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante | |
| Make | Fiat | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 126 | Diamante |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2730 mm |
