1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1050 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 S (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2950 mm |
