1988 Fiat 126 vs. 1997 Citroen Xantia
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xantia is newer by 9 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Citroen Xantia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Citroen Xantia (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Citroen Xantia should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 804 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, 1997 Citroen Xantia, 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, 1997 Citroen Xantia (267 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Citroen Xantia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126. 1997 Citroen Xantia has automatic transmission and 1988 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1988 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Citroen Xantia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 1997 Citroen Xantia | |
| Make | Fiat | Citroen |
| Model | 126 | Xantia |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2750 mm |
