1987 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Dacia Duster
To start off, 2012 Dacia Duster is newer by 25 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Dacia Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dacia Duster (104 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1987 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dacia Duster should accelerate faster than 1987 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dacia Duster weights approximately 615 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, 2012 Dacia Duster, 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 Dacia Duster (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Dacia Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Fiat 126 | 2012 Dacia Duster | |
| Make | Fiat | Dacia |
| Model | 126 | Duster |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4315 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1822 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2673 mm |
