1977 Fiat 131 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 305 kg more than 1977 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 131. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1977 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1977 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 131 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
