2003 Fiat Punto vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2003 Fiat Punto is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 700 kg more than 2003 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Punto. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Punto | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Punto | 280 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1240 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 90 L |
