1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 28 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 331 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1294 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 503 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1974 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1974 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | E |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 79 L |
