1978 Fiat Strada vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat Strada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat Strada would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Strada. (60 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Strada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 870 kg more than 1978 Fiat Strada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Strada, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Strada. (91 Nm). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Strada. 1978 Fiat Strada has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat Strada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Strada | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Strada | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.6 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2520 mm |
