1988 Fiat 126 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 14 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 2,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 667 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 126 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |
