1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 822 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 2012 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3150 mm |
