1996 Fiat 131 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1996 Fiat 131 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Fiat 131 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 605 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 131 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
