1971 AC 428 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 75 kg more than 1971 AC 428.
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, 1971 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1971 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1971 AC 428 has manual transmission. 1971 AC 428 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 AC 428 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 428 | C |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7003 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
