1996 Fiat 126 vs. 1985 Seat Malaga
To start off, 1996 Fiat 126 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Seat Malaga. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Seat Malaga would be higher. At 1,461 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Seat Malaga is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Seat Malaga (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Seat Malaga should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Seat Malaga weights approximately 330 kg more than 1996 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Seat Malaga, 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, 1985 Seat Malaga (114 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Seat Malaga will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 1985 Seat Malaga | |
| Make | Fiat | Seat |
| Model | 126 | Malaga |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 67.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 166 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
