1975 Fiat 500 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1975 Fiat 500 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 819 kg more than 1975 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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Fiat 500 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 100 L |
