1983 Fiat 126 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1983 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 325 kg more than 1983 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Ford Escort (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat 126 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 650 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
