2003 Fiat Panda vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
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 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 775 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 450. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Panda | 450 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 90 L |
