1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 30 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1320 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1968 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1968 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SL |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 80 L |
