1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 38 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (203 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 473 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | C |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 66 L |
