1988 Fiat 126 vs. 2001 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2001 Ford Fiesta is newer by 13 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Fiesta (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 232 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, 2001 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2001 Ford Fiesta (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 2001 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
