1971 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A (94 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 715 kg more than 1971 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Fiat 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | A |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 69.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 54 L |
