1987 Fiat 126 vs. 1999 Mazda 626
To start off, 1999 Mazda 626 is newer by 12 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda 626 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1987 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1987 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 626 weights approximately 695 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, 1999 Mazda 626, 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, 1999 Mazda 626 (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Fiat 126 | 1999 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 126 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2680 mm |
