1981 Fiat 127 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 127. (49 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 690 kg more than 1981 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 127, 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 S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 127. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 127 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 127 | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2950 mm |
