1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 Fiat 126
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 765 kg more than 1981 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1981 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 156 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 1850 mm |
