1984 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 28 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1984 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1984 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1065 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Fiat 126. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 has automatic transmission and 1984 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1984 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Fiat 126 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 126 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
