1971 Fiat 124 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (178 HP) has 119 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 124. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1971 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (255 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 124. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 124. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1971 Fiat 124 has manual transmission. 1971 Fiat 124 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 124 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 124 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 178 HP |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 72 L |
