1993 Fiat 126 vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1993 Fiat 126 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volvo 242. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volvo 242 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volvo 242 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volvo 242 (97 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1993 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volvo 242 should accelerate faster than 1993 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 242 weights approximately 645 kg more than 1993 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, 1986 Volvo 242 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Volvo 242 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Fiat 126 | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 126 | 242 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 702 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |
