1976 Fiat 126 vs. 1968 Fiat 500
To start off, 1976 Fiat 126 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 594 cc (2 cylinders), 1976 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Fiat 126 (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Fiat 126 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Fiat 126 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. 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, 1976 Fiat 126 (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Fiat 126 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 126 | 1968 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 67.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 22 L |
