2002 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S
To start off, 2002 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2002 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S should accelerate faster than 2002 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 460 kg more than 2002 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S 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 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Fiat Barchetta | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Barchetta | 300S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2910 mm |
