1981 Fiat Strada vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Strada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Strada would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Strada. (125 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Strada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1010 kg more than 1981 Fiat Strada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Strada, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Strada. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Strada. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1981 Fiat Strada has manual transmission. 1981 Fiat Strada will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Strada | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Strada | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
