1984 Fiat 126 vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1984 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1984 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 657 kg more than 1984 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour, 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 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Fiat 126 | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
