1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 35 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (154 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 709 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (231 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | C |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 66 L |
