1996 Fiat 131 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (182 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 131. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 410 kg more than 1996 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 131. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 131 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
