1985 Fiat 126 vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1985 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1985 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 902 kg more than 1985 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Fiat 126 | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 126 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
