1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 24 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 295 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
