1960 Abarth 700 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 700. (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1040 kg more than 1960 Abarth 700. 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 S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 700. (70 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 700 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 700 | S |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 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 | 570 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 85 L |
