1988 Fiat 126 vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 482 kg more than 1988 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort, 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, 1996 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
