1948 Fiat 500 vs. 1990 Fiat 126
To start off, 1990 Fiat 126 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 703 cc (2 cylinders), 1990 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Fiat 126 (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Fiat 126 should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Fiat 500 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1990 Fiat 126.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Fiat 500 | 1990 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 52 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 1850 mm |
