1981 Fiat 126 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (142 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 840 kg more than 1981 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2720 mm |
