1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1961 Fiat 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1961 Fiat 500 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 500 | SL |
Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 2962 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 22 HP | 228 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 36 Nm | 267 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 88.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2520 mm |