1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP) has 177 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1215 kg more than 1958 Abarth 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. Let's talk about torque, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 197 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 115 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 72 L |
