1996 Fiat 126 vs. 2002 McLaren F1
To start off, 2002 McLaren F1 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 593 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 McLaren F1 weights approximately 531 kg more than 1996 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, 2002 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 600 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 2002 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Fiat | McLaren |
| Model | 126 | F1 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2720 mm |
