1996 Fiat 126 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 10 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1140 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1996 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1996 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
