1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,404 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (138 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 has automatic transmission and 2012 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 2012 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Fiat |
| Model | 240 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2404 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 133 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 27.4 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 35 L |
