1988 Fiat 126 vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 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 2,616 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (238 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 690 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 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 126 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
