1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1978 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2870 mm |
