1982 Fiat 126 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1982 Fiat 126 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (195 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1982 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 1170 kg more than 1982 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (358 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat 126. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1982 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1982 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat 126 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2860 mm |
