1974 Fiat 124 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP) has 169 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 124. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 760 kg more than 1974 Fiat 124. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 124. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 124 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 124 | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 228 HP |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 80 L |
