1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 447 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 1600. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1270 kg more than 1961 Abarth 1600. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 661 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 1600. (138 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 1600. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1961 Abarth 1600 has manual transmission. 1961 Abarth 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1600 | S |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 90 L |
