1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 615 kg more than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 571 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S has manual transmission. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300S | S |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 87 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 88 L |
