1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (203 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 458 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1980 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1980 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | C |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2760 mm |
