1978 Fiat 126 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 470 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1200 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 658 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2570 mm |
