whats better a 126 or 500

[The Negotiator]

I just find the shape horrible - I know you're right about it being a classic and such but the shape to me isn't a classic yet where as the 500 is.

When I see them next to each other i think one's "cool" and one is just cheap.

 

[JonnyBoy]

I was thinking more along the lines of your head is up your ar*e.

Oh bugger, and I just thought it was dark and the drain was blocked again

 

[Steven]

I'm only messing. Everyone loves Capris!

 

[alexGS]

I agree with The Negotiator. Having owned and driven around in a 126 for a very long year, I conclude that the 126 is quite possibly THE worst car in the world, particularly when you take into account its production dates. What other cars in production for the 80's have a NON-SYNCHRO, sliding straight-cut first gear like something from the 1920's? Not to mention the hopeless 24bhp that wouldn't reach the speed limit in most countries.

A Trabant is faster, more economical, and nicer to ride in... and less rust-prone. An Allegro is a sports limousine compared with a 126. Looks nicer too!

I voted for the 500, obviously, as I think its character is more in keeping with the period.

-Alex

 

[Stuartl]

I've had 3 126's and have a 500. "My 3 year old daughter has claimed it for herself though". The 500 is not quick by any means but the 126 was not much quicker. The 126 is no more comfortable, certainly no quieter and handles no better. In fact they are about the same in standard trim apart from a little more power. Hence the reason people use the engine of a 126. (Cheap power increase, Still using a Fiat engine of same configuration and you get to keep the original engine to go back in when you want to put the car back to total originality). I have no problem with people doing this as long as the poor little 126 concerned has been sufficiantly eaten by Mr t Worm.
The 500 has every bit as much room as the 126. The 126's rear seat does not fold down for carrying things. the 500 does.

Another reason people break 126's is that most of the suspension parts are the same so it's cheaper to do this than pay over inflated UK prices for 500 parts. (I use Germany, much cheaper).

The 126 Bis in my eyes is the equivilent of the 600d as it's the water cooled one.

My experience of J Publics views.
500 "Ahh, look at the cute little car"
126 "Haa, look at the funny little Fiat"

I love them both and hope that when I get all my other cars sorted I can spare the time to create a 126 Abarth with all the right bits.

 

[dillinger39]

i have never owned one but of either of the cars but i do think that the 500 is the better looking car by far.

 

[sammiboo]

i havent driven a 500 but i have driven a 126 loads - made me laugh razzing it around, me and my old boss was racing them around the lane nr work, got sme funny looks me in the red one foot down going passed this guy followed by a white one with writing on the back saying jelly bean lol.

i would say the 126 for me coz i have had no experience with the 500

 

[gadge]

my votes in for the 126. It had some bad press over the years, its always been in the shadow of the 500.I had the BIS warter cooled one with a mighty 26hp!!! and it was a right laugh........especially with two 10" subs and a 1000 watt amp kicking up in the rear!! ......they bring back times.......

 

[Nuova500]

My 126s seat folds down in the back...
There is more elbow room in a 126 and you dont have to lower your head to see out the front like on a 500! Some good points made but as usual Paul talks total ****e!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whats wrong with a straight cut first gear anyway?

 

[dawn_of_time]

I gotta say 500 cos my dad had one long before i was born

 

[Steven]

The poll is surprisingly close. 13 votes to 10 at the minute in favour of the 500. I thought it would be a landslide.

 

[gadge]

My 126s seat folds down in the back...
There is more elbow room in a 126 and you dont have to lower your head to see out the front like on a 500! Some good points made but as usual Paul talks total ****e!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whats wrong with a straight cut first gear anyway?

nothin nuova.......as long as u don't jam it into first when rollin up to traffic lights

 

[Pavlus]

Only 126 better breaks, engine, lights, generator, rims, bigger body.

 

[Nuova500]

Its mighty close now, the 126 rules!!

 

[Steven]

Only one vote in it!

 

[Nuova500]

Yep, thats much closer than I had guessed it would be, cool eh!

 

[Steven]

Very cool.