1982 Fiat 131 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1982 Fiat 131 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1982 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 335 kg more than 1982 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat 131 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | SL |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
