1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1981 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
