1965 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1350 kg more than 1965 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 SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Fiat 500 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SL |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 80 L |
