1983 Fiat 126 vs. 2008 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2008 Smart ForTwo is newer by 25 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 999 cc (3 cylinders), 2008 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Smart ForTwo (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1983 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat 126.
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, 2008 Smart ForTwo (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat 126. 2008 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1983 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1983 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat 126 | 2008 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | 126 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 650 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 2730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
