1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 27 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 3,220 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 1800 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 590 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (479 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 479 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2910 mm |
