1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1973 Fiat 126
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 785 kg more than 1973 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1973 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 164 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 20 L |
