1988 Fiat 126 vs. 2003 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2003 Ford Explorer is newer by 15 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Explorer (236 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1434 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 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Fiat 126. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Ford Explorer (382 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126. 2003 Ford Explorer 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. 2003 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 2003 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 2082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2840 mm |
