1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. (78 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 140 kg more than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. (223 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | S |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3208 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1490 mm |
