1959 Mercedes-Benz SC vs. 2012 Renault Espace
To start off, 2012 Renault Espace is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Renault Espace (239 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Renault Espace weights approximately 385 kg more than 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC 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 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Renault Espace, 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, 2012 Renault Espace (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC. (189 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC | 2012 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | SC | Espace |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2110 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2870 mm |
