1971 Fiat 124 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 41 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (182 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 124. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 523 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 124. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 124 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 124 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
