1958 Fiat 1400 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Fiat 1400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Fiat 1400 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 1400. (53 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 1400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1958 Fiat 1400. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 1400. (88 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 1400. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1958 Fiat 1400 has manual transmission. 1958 Fiat 1400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 1400 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1400 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
