1996 Fiat 126 vs. 2006 Fiat Croma
To start off, 2006 Fiat Croma is newer by 10 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 1,909 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Fiat Croma (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Croma should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Fiat Croma weights approximately 950 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, 2006 Fiat Croma, 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, 2006 Fiat Croma (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 2006 Fiat Croma | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | Croma |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 195 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 | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
