1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1961 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE has manual transmission. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | SE |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 100 L |
