1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 200 is newer by 8 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 200 (108 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 200 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 770 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 200 (170 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | 200 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 105 km/hour | 168 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 65 L |
