1996 Fiat 131 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1996 Fiat 131 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Fiat 131 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 367 kg more than 1996 Fiat 131.
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, 1996 Fiat 131 (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 has automatic transmission and 1996 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1996 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 131 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | 220 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
