1981 Fiat 126 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 27 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (188 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 1610 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (440 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 398 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R has automatic transmission and 1981 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1981 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | R |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 2195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2990 mm |
