1978 Fiat 126 vs. 2004 Maserati MC12
To start off, 2004 Maserati MC12 is newer by 26 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 5,998 cc (2 cylinders), 2004 Maserati MC12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Maserati MC12 (623 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 599 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Maserati MC12 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Maserati MC12 weights approximately 750 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, 2004 Maserati MC12 (652 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 610 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Maserati MC12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 2004 Maserati MC12 | |
| Make | Fiat | Maserati |
| Model | 126 | MC12 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 623 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 652 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 2100 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2810 mm |
