1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1972 Fiat 126
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,370 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1972 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1972 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 146 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 20 L |
