1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 15 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 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1130 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 462 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Fiat 131 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 131 | S |
Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1367 cc | 5985 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 70 HP | 389 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 108 Nm | 570 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 2180 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5120 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1890 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |