1948 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 48 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 690 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 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | E |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 52 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2840 mm |
