1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 35 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 6,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C (445 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 370 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 540 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C (601 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 457 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 445 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 601 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4707 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2008 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2760 mm |
