1971 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 41 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 500 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1432 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.
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 E (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 672 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1971 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1971 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | E |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1942 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 80 L |
