1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 630 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
