1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 38 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 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP) has 355 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1605 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 548 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1958 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1958 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SL |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 375 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 115 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 80 L |
