1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 16 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 1800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 140 kg more than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (479 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | S |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 3220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 479 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 88 L |
