1987 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1987 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1987 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1110 kg more than 1987 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Fiat 126. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will offer significantly more control. 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 Mercedes-Benz C (299 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Fiat 126. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1987 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1987 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Fiat 126 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | C |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2760 mm |
