2009 Fiat 500 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2009 Fiat 500 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2009 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 620 kg more than 2009 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat 500, 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat 500. (132 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat 500. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 has automatic transmission and 2009 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 2009 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat 500 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3080 mm |
