1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 53 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP) has 208 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 228 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 80 L |
