1966 Fiat 124 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 124. (90 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1966 Fiat 124. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 124. (108 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 124 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 124 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1438 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
