1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,523 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 960 kg more than 1972 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | 250 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2523 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 65 L |
