1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1971 Fiat 130
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 130. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 130 would be higher. At 2,866 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 130. (138 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 130. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 285 kg more than 1971 Fiat 130. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 130. (216 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 130.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1971 Fiat 130 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Fiat |
| Model | SL | 130 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2866 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
