1973 Fiat 124 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 39 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 322 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 124. (60 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 995 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 441 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 124. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1973 Fiat 124 has manual transmission. 1973 Fiat 124 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 124 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 124 | SL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 250 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 | 910 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 80 L |
