1978 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 835 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, 2012 BMW 120 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 126 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2690 mm |
