1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1997 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1997 Mercury Mystique is newer by 25 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercury Mystique (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 733 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.
Because 1972 Fiat 126 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126. 1997 Mercury Mystique has automatic transmission and 1972 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1972 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercury Mystique will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 1997 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 126 | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
