1963 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 340 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1500 kg more than 1963 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 494 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1963 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1963 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 500 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | S |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 88 L |
