1996 Fiat 126 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 2185 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 126 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
