1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 23 kg more than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S 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 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000, 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (112 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Saab |
| Model | 170S | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 121 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2670 mm |
