1974 Fiat 131 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 945 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 428 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
