1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1957 Fiat 500
To start off, 1972 Fiat 126 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 652 cc (2 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 126 (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 126 should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Fiat 126 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1957 Fiat 500. 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, 1972 Fiat 126 (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 126 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 1957 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 14 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 24 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 67.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 38 L |
