1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 15 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 972 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2810 mm |
