1961 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 44 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 725 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| 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 | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2440 mm |
