1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 116 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 978 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 has automatic transmission and 1973 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1973 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 72 L |
