1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 25 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1180 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 72 L |
