1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 29 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 295 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2720 mm |
