1957 Abarth 500 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500.
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. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1957 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1957 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SL |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 80 L |
