1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, both 1973 Fiat 500 and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 were released in the same year (1973). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 990 kg more than 1973 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 82 L |
