2002 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1989 Fiat 126
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1989 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 should accelerate faster than 1989 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1989 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1989 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 147 | 126 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 49 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 116 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
