1974 Fiat 131 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 36 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 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A (134 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1865 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.
Because 1974 Fiat 131 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 1974 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | A |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
