2004 Fiat Idea vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Fiat Idea. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Fiat Idea would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Idea. (79 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Idea.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Idea, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Idea. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Idea. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2004 Fiat Idea has manual transmission. 2004 Fiat Idea will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Idea | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Idea | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 90 L |
