1988 Fiat Tipo vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Fiat Tipo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Fiat Tipo would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (138 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat Tipo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 700 kg more than 1988 Fiat Tipo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Fiat Tipo, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 496 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat Tipo. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1988 Fiat Tipo has manual transmission. 1988 Fiat Tipo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat Tipo | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Tipo | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1756 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
