1985 Fiat 126 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 19 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 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1985 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1985 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 768 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, 2004 Ford Focus, 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, 2004 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Fiat 126 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2760 mm |
