1948 Fiat 500 vs. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B
To start off, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B (136 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B weights approximately 1170 kg more than 1948 Fiat 500. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Fiat 500 | 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 300B |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 3050 mm |
