1949 Fiat 500 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1949 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1949 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 1025 kg more than 1949 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. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1949 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1949 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Fiat 500 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1290 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 90 L |
