1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 32 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 740 (315 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 1425 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, 2012 BMW 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126. 2012 BMW 740 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. 2012 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 126 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 5215 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 3210 mm |
