1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 950 kg more than 1978 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2840 mm |
