1973 Fiat 126 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 25 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 515 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.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1973 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1973 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | A |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2430 mm |
