1996 Fiat 126 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 5 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (102 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 645 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (261 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 126 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| 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 | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
