1996 Fiat 126 vs. 2009 Fiat 500
To start off, 2009 Fiat 500 is newer by 13 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 1,368 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat 500 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat 500 weights approximately 285 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.
Because 1996 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 1996 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Fiat 500 (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 2009 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 126 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 35 L |
