1976 Fiat 131 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 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 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1976 Fiat 131. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1976 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 480 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 131. (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 131 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | S |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2950 mm |
