1999 Fiat Punto vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1999 Fiat Punto is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1999 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1999 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1999 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Fiat Punto, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Fiat Punto. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Fiat Punto. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1999 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 1999 Fiat Punto will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Fiat Punto | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Punto | 280 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2940 mm |
