1988 Fiat Tipo vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 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 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 427 more horse power than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (91 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat Tipo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 940 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 1998 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 1998 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 576 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (190 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat Tipo. 1998 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat Tipo | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Tipo | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1927 cc | 7291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 766 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 2050 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 |
