1988 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 BMW 316
To start off, 2012 BMW 316 is newer by 24 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 316 (116 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 316 weights approximately 847 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, 2012 BMW 316 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 2012 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 126 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 57 L |
