1975 Fiat 500 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1250 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Fiat 500 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SL |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 80 L |
