1978 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 34 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 476 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 1620 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.
Because 2012 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Fiat 126. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 657 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126. 2012 Alpina B7 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. 2012 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alpina |
| Model | 126 | B7 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 2205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 5225 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1494 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 3211 mm |
