1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (295 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 730 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 1981 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1981 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | 560 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3080 mm |
