1968 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. (169 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 385 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SE | E |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1845 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
