1972 Chrysler Centura vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chrysler Centura. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chrysler Centura would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1972 Chrysler Centura. (118 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1972 Chrysler Centura. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 480 kg more than 1972 Chrysler Centura. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S (306 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chrysler Centura. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chrysler Centura. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1972 Chrysler Centura has manual transmission. 1972 Chrysler Centura will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chrysler Centura | 1980 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Centura | S |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1981 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2950 mm |
