1976 Fiat 131 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1976 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1976 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1976 Fiat 131. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 131 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2800 mm |
