1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1980 Fiat 126 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1025 kg more than 1980 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2870 mm |
