1996 Fiat 126 vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 555 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, 1999 Ford Focus, 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, 1999 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 126 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
