2005 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1973 Fiat 126
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 1005 kg more than 1973 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126. 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1973 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1973 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1973 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 166 | 126 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 20 L |
