1959 Berkeley QB vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500

To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP) has 274 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1509 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1959 Berkeley QB has manual transmission. 1959 Berkeley QB will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1959 Berkeley QB 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
Make Berkeley Mercedes-Benz
Model QB 500
Year Released 1959 1989
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 692 cc 4973 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 49 HP 323 HP
Torque 61 Nm 450 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 70 mm 96.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 90 mm 85 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 8.0:1 10.0:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 381 kg 1890 kg
Vehicle Length 3400 mm 4480 mm
Vehicle Width 1380 mm 1820 mm
Vehicle Height 1170 mm 1310 mm
Wheelbase Size 1990 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 25 L 80 L