1996 Fiat 126 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 12 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (229 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 890 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 248 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
