1988 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,368 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1988 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Fiat 126 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Fiat 500 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126. 2012 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 1988 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1988 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
