1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 3,997 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (246 HP) has 226 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1545 kg more than 1959 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 528 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 3997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 246 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 88 L |
