1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 995 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000. 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1000 | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2870 mm |
