2003 Fiat Punto vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Fiat Punto is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (71 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 725 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Punto. (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Punto | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Punto | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 80 L |
