1982 Fiat Panda vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1982 Fiat Panda. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 865 kg more than 1982 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Fiat Panda, 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat Panda. (66 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat Panda | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Panda | E |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 695 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 70 L |
