1972 Fiat 126 vs. 2010 Mazda 6
To start off, 2010 Mazda 6 is newer by 38 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 6 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 6 weights approximately 830 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, 2010 Mazda 6, 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, 2010 Mazda 6 (165 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126. 2010 Mazda 6 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. 2010 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 2010 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 126 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Top Speed | 105 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 70 L |
