1981 Fiat 131 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (217 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 650 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
