1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1699 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | S |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2870 mm |
