1978 Fiat Strada vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 18 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Strada. (60 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Strada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1184 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Strada. (91 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Strada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Strada | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Strada | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3150 mm |
