1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 173 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 350 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2810 mm |
