1968 Abarth 1300 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Abarth 1300 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1968 Abarth 1300. (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1968 Abarth 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 950 kg more than 1968 Abarth 1300. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Abarth 1300. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Abarth 1300. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1968 Abarth 1300 has manual transmission. 1968 Abarth 1300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Abarth 1300 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1300 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 670 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 90 L |
