1972 Fiat 132 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 132. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 132 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 389 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 132. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 132. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 865 kg more than 1972 Fiat 132. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 555 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 132. (145 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 132. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1972 Fiat 132 has manual transmission. 1972 Fiat 132 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 132 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 132 | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1755 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
