1989 Fiat 126 vs. 1989 Lada Samara
To start off, both 1989 Fiat 126 and 1989 Lada Samara were released in the same year (1989). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lada Samara (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1989 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lada Samara should accelerate faster than 1989 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lada Samara weights approximately 275 kg more than 1989 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lada Samara, 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, 1989 Lada Samara (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Fiat 126 | 1989 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Fiat | Lada |
| Model | 126 | Samara |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
