1973 Fiat 850 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 850.
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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 850 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2810 mm |
