2003 Fiat Panda vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 630 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 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. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Panda | 230 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.8 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.2 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 70 L |
