1990 Fiat 126 vs. 1983 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1990 Fiat 126 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Fiesta (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1990 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1990 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 190 kg more than 1990 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1983 Ford Fiesta (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Fiat 126 | 1983 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 34 L |
