1948 Fiat 500 vs. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 is newer by 11 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 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 510 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 | 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 220 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 52 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2710 mm |
