1978 Fiat 127 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 565 kg more than 1978 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 127, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 127. (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 127 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 127 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.7 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
