1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 17 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 2,463 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (192 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 720 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (235 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | 190 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2463 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 105 km/hour | 235 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 | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 70 L |
