2009 Ferrari F430 vs. 1978 Fiat 126
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 4,306 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 459 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 940 kg more than 1978 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 423 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ferrari F430 | 1978 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Fiat |
| Model | F430 | 126 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4306 cc | 651 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 483 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 1850 mm |
