2012 Fiat 500 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2012 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 2012 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Fiat 500 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | C |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 66 L |
