1979 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 265 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | C |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2720 mm |
