1973 Fiat 132 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 132. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 132 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 132. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 132. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1120 kg more than 1973 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 132. (147 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 132.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 132 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 132 | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1754 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2870 mm |
