1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 36 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 500 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 2314 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 604 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 80 L |
