1973 Fiat 126 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 745 kg more than 1973 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 70 L |
