1973 Fiat 124 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 124. (60 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 360 kg more than 1973 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 124 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 124 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 75 L |
