2003 Fiat Panda vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Fiat Panda (71 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (53 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 433 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 2003 Fiat Panda (181 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (114 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Panda | 200 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 65 L |
