1981 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 28 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 312 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1770 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2860 mm |
