1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK

To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 25 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 2,293 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (185 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 1525 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (271 Nm) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1973 Fiat 500 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Make Fiat Mercedes-Benz
Model 500 SLK
Year Released 1973 1998
Body Type Coupe Convertible
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 594 cc 2293 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 18 HP 185 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 4200 RPM
Torque 37 Nm 271 Nm
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 525 kg 2050 kg
Wheelbase Size 1850 mm 2810 mm


 

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