1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1045 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1555 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 |
