1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4
To start off, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 weights approximately 804 kg more than 1964 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 (186 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 has automatic transmission and 1964 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1964 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 230.4 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 65 L |
