1996 Fiat 126 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 Fiat 126 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 432 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
