1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 558 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Fiat |
| Model | 300 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1072 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 40 L |
