1996 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz E. (94 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 270 kg more than 1996 Fiat Barchetta.
Because 1974 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1974 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Barchetta, 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 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz E. (159 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Barchetta | 1974 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Barchetta | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2760 mm |
