1973 Fiat 126 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 31 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 992 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | E |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 70 L |
