1986 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Insight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Insight (98 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1986 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Insight should accelerate faster than 1986 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 661 kg more than 1986 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Honda Insight, 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 Honda Insight (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Fiat 126 | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 126 | Insight |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2550 mm |
