1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 19 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 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 370 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2840 mm |
