1987 Fiat 126 vs. 1989 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1989 Lancia Thema is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lancia Thema (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1987 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1987 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lancia Thema weights approximately 630 kg more than 1987 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lancia Thema, 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 Lancia Thema (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Fiat 126 | 1989 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 126 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1995 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 | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
