1979 Fiat 131 vs. 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 (177 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1380 kg more than 1979 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, 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 (440 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1943 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 5401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 111 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3300 mm |
