1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1100 kg more than 1968 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | S |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 85 L |
