1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 378 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1301 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 558 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1886 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2875 mm |
