1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1085 kg more than 1974 Fiat 131. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1974 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1974 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | C |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
