1983 Fiat 127 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1983 Fiat 127 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1983 Fiat 127. (49 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 678 kg more than 1983 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Fiat 127, 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat 127. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat 127 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 127 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1048 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2760 mm |
