1982 Fiat Abarth vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Fiat Abarth. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Fiat Abarth would be higher. At 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 370 more horse power than 1982 Fiat Abarth. (140 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat Abarth. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 810 kg more than 1982 Fiat Abarth. 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 SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 615 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat Abarth. (215 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat Abarth. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1982 Fiat Abarth has manual transmission. 1982 Fiat Abarth will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat Abarth | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Abarth | SL |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5512 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
